Anticancer, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Natural Products, Second Edition
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: antitumor therapy; drug delivery; nanocarriers; tumor resistance models; metal complexes; lipid-based nanoparticles; liposomes; niosomes; natural antitumor compounds; neuroprotection; neurodegenerative diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality research and comprehensive reviews on the anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of natural products. We seek contributions that advance our understanding of bioactive compounds from natural sources - including plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms, with demonstrated efficacy in modulating molecular pathways relevant to cancer, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
The focus is on rigorously characterized compounds and extracts, mechanistic studies (both in vitro and in vivo), and translational research that bridges basic discoveries to applications. Papers elucidating interactions between phytochemicals and molecular targets, synergistic or antagonistic effects in complex extracts, and comparative studies versus synthetic agents are also welcome.
Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked to the pathogenesis of numerous chronic conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. We invite original research and critical reviews that comprehensively address the preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products in these contexts.
Key areas include, but are not limited to:
- Isolation, characterization, and synthesis of bioactive natural compounds with demonstrated anticancer, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory properties.
- Molecular mechanisms of action underpinning observed biological effects.
- Modulation of cellular signaling pathways, redox homeostasis, and gene expression by natural products.
- Integrated omics approaches, systems biology, and network pharmacology applied to natural product research.
- Evaluation of safety, toxicity, and efficacy in cellular and animal models.
- Novel formulations and delivery systems enhancing bioavailability and targeting.
- Traditional medicine approaches supported by modern analytical validation.
Dr. Rositsa Mihaylova
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 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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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
- natural products
- anticancer
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- plant extracts
- derived compounds
- oxidative stress
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
