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Metabolites
Special Issues
Plant-Derived Molecules in Prevention of Metabolic and Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases
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Plant-Derived Molecules in Prevention of Metabolic and Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 1502

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hicham Harnafi

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, Oujda 60000, Morocco
Interests: lipid metabolism; atherosclerosis; oxidative stress; molecular mechanisms; natural products; polyphenols; micronutrients

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic and oxidative stress-related diseases, including dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, are major public health challenges worldwide. Plant-derived molecules, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, have garnered significant attention due to their potential therapeutic effects and safety profiles. These bioactive compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms that target key pathways associated with metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Polyphenols, abundant in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, are known to modulate lipid metabolism by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, promoting bile acid synthesis through CYP7A1, and enhancing cholesterol efflux via ApoA1 activation. Flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating NF-κB and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, plant alkaloids could improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control by activating AMPK pathways.

In the context of oxidative stress, plant-derived antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and upregulate endogenous defense systems. Compound polyphenols can activate key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, protecting cells from oxidative damage. These molecules also mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, a major contributor to oxidative stress in metabolic diseases.

Emerging research highlights the role of these compounds in modulating gut microbiota, contributing to improved metabolic outcomes. In silico and molecular docking studies have further elucidated their interactions with specific proteins, offering insights into their mechanisms of action.

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in plant-derived molecules and their role in preventing and managing metabolic and oxidative stress-related diseases. Contributions covering experimental studies, clinical trials, and mechanistic insights are particularly welcomed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their therapeutic potential.

Prof. Dr. Hicham Harnafi
Guest Editor

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Metabolites 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 2700 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

  • lipid metabolism
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • metabolic diseases
  • cardiometabolic health
  • plant-derived molecules

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4289 KiB  
Article
Argan Fruit Polyphenols Regulate Lipid Homeostasis, Prevent Liver Fat Accumulation, and Improve Antioxidant Defense in High-Calorie Diet Fed Mice: In Vivo Study and In Silico Prediction of Possible Underlying Mechanisms
by Mohammadine Moumou, Imane Mokhtari, Mohamed Harnafi, Mohammed Alrugaibah, Thamer Aljutaily, Hend F. Alharbi, Abdulmalik Alhuwaymil, Abdulkarim S. Almutairi, Hassan Barakat, Dragan Milenkovic, Souliman Amrani and Hicham Harnafi
Metabolites 2025, 15(4), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040234 - 28 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Argania spinosa L. Skeels is a Moroccan endemic plant widely used by the local population as folk medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Argan fruit pulp on lipid metabolism disorders and liver steatosis in hypercaloric diet-fed mice. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Argania spinosa L. Skeels is a Moroccan endemic plant widely used by the local population as folk medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Argan fruit pulp on lipid metabolism disorders and liver steatosis in hypercaloric diet-fed mice. Methods: Animals were treated with the Argan fruit pulp extract and its fractions for 12 weeks at 100 and 200 mg Kg−1 BW daily. The analysis was conducted on lipid levels in plasma, liver, feces, and bile as well as on glycemia. The liver glutathione, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed. The hepatic steatosis was evaluated by measuring transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities and examining histological sections. The polyphenol profiles were determined using HPLC-DAD. Possible underlying mechanisms in the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities were predicted by molecular docking. Results: The crude extract and its aqueous fraction (rich in protocatechuic and gallic acids) significantly restored plasma lipids and glucose levels. Indeed, total cholesterol level (TCHO) was decreased in the liver but increased in bile and feces. The treatment also reduced body weight and liver and adipose tissue mass and prevented liver steatosis. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited no effect on lipid metabolism but significantly prevented liver oxidative stress. The crude extract and its fractions appear to be nontoxic (LD50 > 5000 mg Kg−1) in mice. The phenolic acids demonstrated strong binding affinity to key targets involved in regulating lipid homeostasis, including ABCA-1, LXR, CYP7A1, HMH-CoA reductase, and PCSK-9. However, the identified flavonoids exhibited high affinities to targets involved in oxidative stress defense (SOD, CAT, and CYP2E1). Conclusions: The Argan fruit pulp, particularly its polyphenols, could be a promising natural approach for preventing cardio-metabolic diseases by improving lipid metabolism and reducing liver oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Molecules in Prevention of Metabolic and Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases)
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14 pages, 1160 KiB  
Article
Association Between Coffee Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome Components Among Saudi Adults
by Wala I. Alzahrani, Sarah N. Alsharif, Maryam S. Hafiz, Doaa A. Alyoubi, Amal M. Alrizqi, Raneem A. Younes, Alaa M. Jahlan and Khaled A. Yaghmour
Metabolites 2025, 15(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030163 - 1 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background: Previous research has linked high coffee consumption to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the relationship between coffee consumption and MetS components among Saudi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on adults who met at [...] Read more.
Background: Previous research has linked high coffee consumption to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the relationship between coffee consumption and MetS components among Saudi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on adults who met at least three criteria for a MetS diagnosis. Data concerning demographics, lifestyle, sleeping patterns, medical health, anthropometric measurements, habitual coffee drinking, and lab levels for HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, TGs, HbA1c, and FBG were collected. Results: Of the 95 participants, 51% were women, 75.8% were >50 years old, 75.8% were obese, 62% were used to practicing physical activity, 74.5% never smoked, 56.4% slept < 7 h/day, and 89.5% were coffee consumers. Of these, 94.7% had high waist circumference, 63.2% had high BP, 47.4% had high FBG, 41.1% had low HDL, and 23.2% had high TGs. For coffee consumers, 37.6% drank a small cup, 34.5% drank coffee once daily, 89.4% drank Arabic coffee, and 75.3% added no additives. Conclusions: No significant association was found between coffee consumption patterns and any MetS component, with the exception of elevated TGs, which was strongly associated with coffee cup size and number of daily cups. Waist circumference and BMI had a strong positive correlation with coffee cup size, and there was a significant relationship between the number of daily cups, BMI, and TC. Further prospective studies are needed to establish a causal relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Molecules in Prevention of Metabolic and Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases)
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