Recent Progress in Pharmacology of Phytochemicals

Dear Colleagues,

Phytochemicals constitute one of the most novel and continuously futuristic sources of pharmacological active molecules, thus offering significant potentials for the discovery and development of new drug candidates as well as evidence-based strategies for disease management. Recent advances in natural product chemistry, molecular pharmacology, omics technologies, computational biology and drug delivery systems have greatly expanded our knowledge of the biological activity and medicinal value of plant-derived compounds. However, this process is still hampered by limitations related to bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, molecular target validation, safety as well as standardization and reproducibility of results ensuring successful preclinical to clinical translation.

New research has improved the traditional definition of phytochemicals which was mainly based on their antioxidant or general pharmacological action, by elucidating its specific molecular target for biologically relevant signaling pathways and pharmacokinetic behavior in relation to biological systems. Novel strategies such as network pharmacology, multi-omics, chemical biology, molecular modeling and modern in vitro and in vivo models together with nanotechnology-assisted delivery are opening new avenues in phytochemical pharmacology that can enable effective lead identification and guided paired therapies.

Thus, this Special Issue focuses on new developments in phytochemical pharmacology with an emphasis on mechanistic elements, therapeutic applicability, key kinetic and dynamic features as well as safety and translation. We welcome original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, and also perspectives dealing with the pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action of phytochemicals and plant-derived bioactive compounds.

Some of the topics that we are interested in publishing on, includes but is not limited to:

• Molecular Mechanisms and Pharmacological Targets of Phytochemicals
• Phytochemicals in cancer, inflammation, metabolic syndrome and type–2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and antimicrobial properties
• Phytochemicals with Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Immunomodulatory and Organ-Protective Activities
• Natural Products: Structure–Activity Relationships and Molecular Pharmacology
• Phytochemical Research: Network Pharmacology, Computational Approaches and Multi-Omics
• Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, co-administration (bioavailability), drug metabolism, and phytochemical–drug interactions
• Synergism and combined effect of phytochemicals and conventional therapeutics
• Novel formulations, nanotechnology and targeted delivery
• Conventional problems of any research product, such as safety, toxicity, quality control, and standardization of herbal products and natural medicines were a barrier against their lawful medical use
• Investigatin of phytochemical-based therapeutics: clinical evidence and translational research
• Emerging phytochemicals and modern targets in the discovery of plant-based medicines

Dr. Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
Guest Editor

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