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Life
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Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts
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Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 7381

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rita Kiss

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Interests: pharmacology; CV system; neurodegenerative disorders; diabetes mellitus; retinopathy; dermatitis; herbals; plant extracts; antioxidants; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Annamária Pallag

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Piata 1 Decembrie, 410028 Oradea, Romania
Interests: pharmacology; herbals; plant extracts; polyphenols; SIRT1; antioxidants; oxidative stress; apoptosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants have served as essential tools in traditional healing systems for millennia, and their relevance continues in contemporary drug discovery and evidence-based medicine. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of the global population still relies on herbal remedies and plant-derived preparations for primary healthcare needs. This enduring reliance underscores the importance of systematically investigating the therapeutic potential of plant-based compounds.

Plants and their extracts are rich sources of structurally diverse and biologically active phytochemicals, including polyphenols, anthocyanins, and other natural compounds. These constituents possess a wide range of biomedical activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective effects. Despite the wealth of therapeutic promise, only about 10–15% of known plant species have been subjected to thorough phytochemical and pharmacological analysis. This suggests a vast and largely untapped reservoir of novel biomolecules with potential clinical utility.

Recent advances in molecular biology, natural compound isolation, pharmaceutical technology, and analytical chemistry have significantly enhanced our ability to identify, isolate, and characterize new plant-derived bioactive substances. These tools have opened the door to the targeted exploration of herbal extracts and phytochemicals for their roles in modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and other pathophysiological processes involved in diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative disorders.

To translate laboratory findings into therapeutic strategies, preclinical models—ranging from in vitro cellular systems to in vivo animal models—are indispensable for elucidating mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles. Furthermore, well-designed clinical studies are essential to confirm efficacy and tolerability in humans, bridging the gap between experimental research and real-world application. The integration of traditional knowledge with rigorous scientific validation in both preclinical and clinical contexts has the potential to yield new target molecules and innovative treatment modalities for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, and metabolic conditions.

This Special Issue invites high-quality contributions focused on the discovery, characterization, and biomedical application of bioactive compounds from plants. We especially encourage submissions that explore therapeutic effects in experimental and clinical models, highlight novel mechanisms of action, or present innovative techniques for the preparation and standardization of herbal extracts.

Dr. Rita Kiss
Prof. Dr. Annamária Pallag
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • herbals
  • plant extracts
  • phytochemicals
  • polyphenols
  • anthocyanins
  • natural compounds isolation
  • herbal extract characterization
  • bioactive extracts preparation
  • oxidative stress
  • apoptosis
  • inflammation
  • dermatitis
  • psoriasis
  • diabetes mellitus
  • neurodegenerative disorders
  • CNS diseases
  • new target molecules
  • animal models
  • clinical studies

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1862 KB  
Article
Arbutus andrachne Extracts Exhibit In Vitro Neuraminidase (N9) Inhibitory Activity: A Potential Herbal Strategy Against Avian Influenza
by Areej Abuhammad, Fatma Afifi, Nour H. Aboalhaija, Mohammed H. Kailani, Mutasem O. Taha, Tamara Sabri, Zahra Fauri and Ismail Abaza
Life 2026, 16(4), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040560 - 29 Mar 2026
Viewed by 690
Abstract
The rise in emerging viral outbreaks has intensified the need for novel antiviral therapies and highlighted the untapped potential of natural products. Influenza viruses, particularly avian strains, continue to evolve rapidly, yet the antiviral properties of Jordan’s native plants remain largely unexplored. This [...] Read more.
The rise in emerging viral outbreaks has intensified the need for novel antiviral therapies and highlighted the untapped potential of natural products. Influenza viruses, particularly avian strains, continue to evolve rapidly, yet the antiviral properties of Jordan’s native plants remain largely unexplored. This study focused on avian influenza and screened twelve endemic plant species, using ethanol to selectively extract polar phytochemicals likely to interact with the hydrophilic active site of neuraminidase (NA). Among these, Arbutus andrachne leaf and fruit extracts emerged as potent in vitro inhibitors of recombinant N9 neuraminidase, a key enzyme in influenza replication, with IC50 values of 31.6 µg/mL and 32.9 µg/mL, respectively. LC-MS analysis identified hyperoside as the major shared flavonoid in both extracts, which may contribute to the observed inhibitory activity. These findings support the potential of A. andrachne as a natural source for herbal preparations with antiviral activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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23 pages, 5813 KB  
Article
Unraveling the Antioxidant, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antidiabetic Potential of Jatropha integerrima in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
by Deepak Bharati, Dixitkumar Pualsa, Shreya Mayekar, Jegan Nadar, Popat Mohite, Ashwini Kumar and Sudarshan Singh
Life 2026, 16(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020246 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 829
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia, leading to severe complications. Medicinal plants like Jatropha integerrima, known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties, are being explored as potential alternatives for the management of diabetes. [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia, leading to severe complications. Medicinal plants like Jatropha integerrima, known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties, are being explored as potential alternatives for the management of diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract of Jatropha integerrima (MEJI) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.), followed by oral treatment with MEJI (200 and 400 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 21 days. Glycemic control was assessed through fasting blood glucose level (FBG), and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profiling (TC, TG, LDL, HDL, and VLDL), and antioxidant (SOD and CAT) testing were outsourced to UNIQUE Biodiagnostics Vet. Path Lab, Parel, Maharashtra, while pancreatic histopathology was analyzed by evaluating islet morphology. Treatment with MEJI produced a dose-dependent reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. On day 21, MEJI at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced blood glucose by 63.1% and 67.0%, respectively, compared to the diabetic control group. The standard drug showed the highest reduction (73.6%), restoring glucose levels close to normal values, compared with the diabetic control group, along with an improvement in glucose tolerance as reflected in OGTT outcomes. Moreover, the extract also favorably modulated the lipid profile by lowering TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels while enhancing HDL concentrations. Antioxidant enzyme activities improved notably, with significant elevations in SOD and CAT levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of pancreatic sections revealed partial recovery of islet architecture in MEJI-treated rats, suggesting regenerative and protective effects on pancreatic β-cells. MEJI exhibited potent glucose-lowering, lipid-regulating, and antioxidant properties, along with pancreatic protection. These findings suggest that Jatropha integerrima may serve as a reservoir of bioactive compounds with promising potential for the management of diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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22 pages, 6893 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Pharmacobotanical and Phytochemical Profiling of Glechoma hederacea L. from Bihor County, North-West Romania
by Manuela Bianca Pasca, Alicia-Denisa Costa, Daniela Gitea, Corina Moisa, Tunde Jurca, Cristina Burlou-Nagy (Fati), Neli Kinga Olah, Annamaria Pallag and Manuel Alexandru Gitea
Life 2025, 15(9), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091466 - 18 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
Glechoma hederacea L. (GH) is an understudied species with significant phytotherapeutic potential, whose botanical characteristics and phytochemical profile have not previously been investigated from Bihor County, North-West Romania, namely Săldăbagiu de Munte (261 m a.s.l.) and Beiuș (553 m a.s.l.). In this study, [...] Read more.
Glechoma hederacea L. (GH) is an understudied species with significant phytotherapeutic potential, whose botanical characteristics and phytochemical profile have not previously been investigated from Bihor County, North-West Romania, namely Săldăbagiu de Munte (261 m a.s.l.) and Beiuș (553 m a.s.l.). In this study, we aimed to examine the species from both pharmacobotanical and phytochemical perspectives focusing on two populations originating from areas with different altitudes, which were selected as representative sites for collecting GH populations. The morphological analysis included both macroscopic and microscopic examinations performed with optical microscopy, complemented by phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity evaluation. The phenolic profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while total flavonoid content was assessed by the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. In addition, the total anthocyanin content was determined, too. The antioxidant properties of the samples were evaluated using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Our results indicate that GH from the higher-altitude area is a rich source of phenolics and exhibits notable antioxidant activity. Among the identified active compounds, apigenin and caffeic acid were found in the highest concentrations. These findings support the potential use of this species in phytopharmaceutical formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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20 pages, 3118 KB  
Article
Exploring Ochradenus baccatus: A Novel Source of Bioactive Compounds and Phytochemical Insights for Uncharted Therapeutic Applications
by Salma Saddeek
Life 2025, 15(9), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091448 - 16 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1103
Abstract
Ochradenus baccatus (O. baccatus), a resilient medicinal plant native to arid regions, was systematically investigated for its neuroprotective potential against Alzheimer’s disease. Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of different plant parts revealed that the leaves possessed the highest levels of total phenolics (67.8 [...] Read more.
Ochradenus baccatus (O. baccatus), a resilient medicinal plant native to arid regions, was systematically investigated for its neuroprotective potential against Alzheimer’s disease. Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of different plant parts revealed that the leaves possessed the highest levels of total phenolics (67.8 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (49.2 mg QE/g), correlating with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 19.8 µg/mL, FRAP = 832 µmol Fe2+/g). HPLC and GC-MS analyses identified multiple bioactive flavonoids and fatty acids. The leaf extract demonstrated potent in vitro AChE inhibition (IC50 = 32.5 µg/mL) and significantly reduced amyloid-β aggregation (by 50%). In vivo, it ameliorated cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced mice, as evidenced by improved performance in Morris Water Maze and Y-maze tests, and restored hippocampal neuronal density (CA3: +29.7%, DG: +30%). These findings highlight the therapeutic promise of O. baccatus leaves as a rich source of multifunctional anti-Alzheimer’s phytochemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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24 pages, 6550 KB  
Article
DNA Fingerprint Profile of Zizania spp. Plant, Monitoring Its Leaves with Screening of Their Biological Activity: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity
by Latifah A. Al Shammari
Life 2025, 15(8), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081240 - 5 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1242
Abstract
This study presents an integrated approach combining molecular, phytochemical, and biological analyses to characterize a newly discovered Zizania specimen from the northern Nile Delta, Egypt. Genetic fingerprinting using RAPD and ISSR markers revealed 85% band-sharing similarity with Zizania texana (Z. texana), [...] Read more.
This study presents an integrated approach combining molecular, phytochemical, and biological analyses to characterize a newly discovered Zizania specimen from the northern Nile Delta, Egypt. Genetic fingerprinting using RAPD and ISSR markers revealed 85% band-sharing similarity with Zizania texana (Z. texana), though distinct morphological and genetic traits suggested potential intraspecific variation. Phytochemical profiling identified high concentrations of bioactive compounds, including quercetin (42.1 µg/mL), β-caryophyllene (11.21%), and gallic acid (23.4 µg/mL), which are pertinent and correlated with robust biological activities. The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited significant antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 38.6 µg/mL in DPPH assay), potent antimicrobial effects against Candida albicans (C. albicans) (IC50 = 4.9 ± 0.6 µg/mL), and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. MCF-7 has the lowest IC50 (28.3 ± 1.5 µg/mL), indicating the highest potency among the tested cell lines. In contrast, HepG2 demonstrates moderate sensitivity (IC50 = 31.4 ± 1.8 µg/mL), while A549 shows the highest IC50 value (36.9 ± 2.0 µg/mL), indicating greater resistance. These findings underscore the taxonomic novelty of the specimen and its potential as a source of natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticancer agents. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in resolving taxonomic uncertainties and unlocking the medicinal value of understudied aquatic plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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Review

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28 pages, 1248 KB  
Review
Multi-Kingdom Synergy of Perilla frutescens-Derived Effector Vesicles and Postbiotics: A Triple-Action Strategy for Atopic Dermatitis
by Andrea Badale, Mihaela Zdrîncă, Laura Maghiar, Ioan Magyar and Dana Carmen Zaha
Life 2026, 16(5), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050769 - 4 May 2026
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by profound microbial dysbiosis, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization, and a compromised epidermal barrier. Current therapies often face safety and compliance limitations, necessitating proactive, steroid-sparing ecological strategies focused on barrier restoration. [...] Read more.
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by profound microbial dysbiosis, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization, and a compromised epidermal barrier. Current therapies often face safety and compliance limitations, necessitating proactive, steroid-sparing ecological strategies focused on barrier restoration. Methods: This pharmacological review evaluates a synergistic framework combining Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces postbiotic lysates with Perilla frutescens-derived effector vesicles. The analysis focuses on their molecular impact on skin homeostasis and structural protein synthesis. Results: In vitro evaluations indicate that Lactobacillus enhances innate immunity, while Saccharomyces-derived metabolites support the microbial ecosystem. Preliminary data demonstrate a significant impact on structural integrity, showing an 87.9% increase in elastin secretion and a 61.4% increase in Type I collagen synthesis. Furthermore, Perilla frutescens-derived vesicles modulate the JAK–STAT pathway, demonstrating a potential reduction of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) by 40% and a downregulation of CYP1A1 expression by up to 49% in cell models, thereby suggesting a capacity to mitigate oxidative stress and pruritus. Conclusions: By integrating these components into a “Triple-Action” framework, focusing on immunomodulation, structural restoration, and precision signaling, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for promising dermo-cosmetic interventions in atopic skin management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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26 pages, 1890 KB  
Review
Pharmacological and Medicinal Properties of the South American Medicinal Plant Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth and Its Bioactive Products
by Christian Bailly
Life 2026, 16(2), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020358 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 911
Abstract
Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth is a tree largely present in South America, notably in the Cerrado savannah. The species is known for the quality of its dense and resistant wood, used in construction and furnishing. B. virgilioides is also a medicinal plant used, from [...] Read more.
Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth is a tree largely present in South America, notably in the Cerrado savannah. The species is known for the quality of its dense and resistant wood, used in construction and furnishing. B. virgilioides is also a medicinal plant used, from leaves to roots, for the treatment of various human pathologies (pharyngitis, bronchitis, healing wounds, diabetes, and arthritis). The present review provides an analysis of the scientific literature pertaining to B. virgilioides, with a focus on pharmacological activities. Aqueous and organic extracts have been used to treat inflammatory pathologies and to combat infectious diseases caused by microorganisms and parasites. All phytochemicals at the origin of the bioactivities of extracts have been identified, including 37 terpenoids, 8 alkaloids, 21 flavonoids and 13 other products. All natural products are discussed, with a focus on a dozen compounds with well-documented pharmacological properties and/or a known mechanism of action. Key products include ormosanine (alkaloid), vouacapane (diterpenoid), lupeol (terpenoid), isoquercetin (flavonoid), isocordoin (chalcone), and little-known specific products (bowdichine and bowdenol). The botanical and phytochemical analysis shed light on this valuable Fabaceae species with the objective to promote its preservation and cultivation, as well as further pharmacological investigations aimed at rationalizing its long-established ethnobotanical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts)
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