Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
10.3
5.1
Journals
Molecules
Special Issues
Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition
molecules-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition

A Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) belonging to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 5412

Editor

Dr. Guglielmina Froldi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
Interests: diabetes mellitus; obesity; age-related diseases; advanced glycation end products (AGEs); medicinal plants; enzyme activity; pharmacokinetics; ADMET; pharmacotherapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive natural compounds are secondary metabolites isolated from plants and marine organisms that can influence the human body and can also act as beneficial agents against disease. The use of isolated active compounds versus crude extracts allows one to define the precise dosage of the principle useful to induce efficacy. Studies on isolated compounds can support the use of natural products in traditional medicine and can drive the discovery of new active compounds that can be further developed as drugs.

Biologically active compounds are divided into three main classes, such as phenolic, terpene, and nitrogen compounds. Several compounds in these groups may be beneficial in cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction is involved in several human diseases, including arteriosclerosis, arterial stiffness, vascular thrombosis, and many others. Among all, soluble adhesion molecules, such as E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, and factors of the coagulation pathway, such as Willebrand factor and soluble thrombomodulin, in addition to various cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and C-reactive protein, are involved in vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in tissue damages. Therefore, the search for new agents that can selectively inhibit markers of cardiovascular damage is especially interesting in the development of new drugs.

In this Special Issue, we welcome research articles and reviews on the identification of new active compounds of natural origin, as well as compounds already known for which new mechanisms of action or new activities are highlighted. Studies on natural compounds, both in vitro and in vivo, are of interest. 

Dr. Guglielmina Froldi
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-anonymized 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 compounds
  • blood vessel
  • endothelium dysfunction
  • advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
  • reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • cytokines
  • ADMET properties
  • pharmacokinetics
  • gender difference

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.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 1193 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Characterization and Toxicity Activity of Tradescantia pendula Extracts
by Rubi Esmeralda González Campos, Elizabeth Bautista Rodríguez, César Emmanuel Ale, Solón Javier Garcés Eisele, Luis Ricardo Hernández and Zaida Nelly Juárez
Molecules 2026, 31(17), 3000; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31173000 - 27 Aug 2026
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Tradescantia pendula is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and cytotoxicity of T. pendula extracts. Plant material was sequentially extracted using hexane, chloroform, and methanol, followed by [...] Read more.
Tradescantia pendula is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and cytotoxicity of T. pendula extracts. Plant material was sequentially extracted using hexane, chloroform, and methanol, followed by phytochemical screening, antimicrobial evaluation against clinically relevant bacterial strains, toxicity assessment using the Artemia salina model, cytotoxicity analysis in HaCaT and U937 cell lines, and GC–MS characterization. Phytochemical screening of the chloroform extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and glycosides. Antimicrobial activity was observed mainly against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with bacterial viability reduced by up to 95.2%. Toxicity assays in Artemia salina demonstrated marked biological activity, with LC50 values of 63.54, 23.12, and 23.05 μg/mL for the hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays revealed cell type-dependent responses, with U937 monocytic cells exhibiting greater sensitivity than HaCaT keratinocytes. All three extracts produced non-monotonic concentration–response profiles, with enhanced metabolic activity at intermediate concentrations and substantial decreases in cell viability at lower concentrations. GC–MS analysis revealed lipophilic metabolites, including phytol-related compounds and fatty acid esters. These findings suggest that T. pendula is a promising source of bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties, supporting its ethnopharmacological relevance and potential pharmacological applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

29 pages, 1426 KB  
Article
Effects of Co-Cultivation on the Phenolic Composition and Bioactive Properties of Basidiomycete Mycelia: Antioxidant, Photoprotective, Anti-Tyrosinase, and In Silico Evidence
by Katielle Vieira Avelino, Maria Aparecida Pereira Garcez, Roberta Fernanda Rogonni Ferrari Giansante, Marisangela Isabel Wietzikoski Halabura, Caroline Domingues, Maria Graciela Iecher Faria Nunes, Nelson Barros Colauto, Lidiane Nunes Barbosa, Zilda Cristiani Gazim, Daniela Dib Gonçalves, Flávio Augusto Vicente Seixas, Antonio Laverde Junior and Juliana Silveira do Valle
Molecules 2026, 31(15), 2569; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31152569 - 23 Jul 2026
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Basidiomycetes produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites, yet the effects of fungal co-cultivation on phenolic composition and associated biological properties remain poorly understood. This study investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-tyrosinase activities of mycelial extracts obtained from four basidiomycetes [...] Read more.
Basidiomycetes produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites, yet the effects of fungal co-cultivation on phenolic composition and associated biological properties remain poorly understood. This study investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-tyrosinase activities of mycelial extracts obtained from four basidiomycetes cultivated either alone or in paired cultures. Phenolic compounds were characterized by HPLC, and the identified metabolites were further evaluated using target prediction, enrichment analyses, PASS prediction, ADME profiling, and toxicity assessment. Nine phenolic compounds were identified across ten cultivation systems. Catechin and syringic acid were detected only in selected paired cultures, indicating that fungal interactions altered phenolic composition. The highest antioxidant activities were observed for P. sanguineus and T. polyzona cultivated alone, while SPF reached 39 in P. ostreatus, T. polyzona, Lentinus + Pycnoporus, and Pycnoporus + Trametes. Tyrosinase inhibition reached 92.7% in the axenic culture of P. ostreatus and remained above 90% in selected co-cultures. Computational analyses identified enrichment of biological processes related to oxidative stress and UV responses, as well as pathways including PI3K-Akt, FoxO, HIF-1, and p53. PASS prediction indicated that catechin, quercetin, and myricetin showed the highest probabilities for antioxidant activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and NADPH oxidase, and melanin synthesis inhibition, while ADMET predicted good solubility and high gastrointestinal absorption for most of the identified metabolites. Fungal interactions altered the phenolic composition of basidiomycete mycelia and influenced their biological activities, indicating that co-cultivation may be a useful strategy for modulating the production of bioactive metabolites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1400 KB  
Article
Effect of (−)-Epicatechin on Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Skeletal Muscle of Female Obese Rats
by Elena de la C. Herrera-Cogco, Socorro Herrera-Meza, Yuridia Martínez-Meza, Javier Pérez-Durán, Guillermo Ceballos, Enrique Méndez-Bolaina and Nayelli Nájera
Molecules 2026, 31(6), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31061050 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Background: Main risk factors associated with the development of sarcopenia (coexistence of muscle mass loss and dysfunction) are a sedentary lifestyle coupled with obesity. Associated mitochondrial dysfunction leads to energy deficits and perturbations in the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, thereby triggering [...] Read more.
Background: Main risk factors associated with the development of sarcopenia (coexistence of muscle mass loss and dysfunction) are a sedentary lifestyle coupled with obesity. Associated mitochondrial dysfunction leads to energy deficits and perturbations in the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, thereby triggering muscle dysfunction or atrophy. Aside from exercise, which is challenging to implement and maintain, particularly in women, treatments for diminishing sarcopenia are scarce. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the flavanol (−)-epicatechin (EC) in a hypercaloric diet-induced obese female rat model. Muscle strength and endurance, as well as relative mitochondrial DNA content in skeletal muscle, were assessed. Methods: Female rats were fed a hypercaloric diet to induce obesity, as evidenced by increases in body weight, Lee index, and lipid profile alterations, and by abdominal fat accumulation, and to promote a sarcopenic phenotype. Functional tests of grip strength and mobility (treadmill) were performed. Mitochondrial relative content was evaluated by measuring the ratio of mtDNA/nuclear DNA, and the expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis (Pgc1-α, Tfam), fusion (Mfn1 and Opa1), fission (Drp1 and Fis1), and mitophagy (Pink1 and Pkn), and function; citrate synthase and Ucp3 were also evaluated. Results: A significant decrease in mobility and strength was observed in obese female rats, accompanied by reduced mitochondrial numbers, activity, and dynamics, but not by changes in muscle size or weight. Treatment with EC induced mitochondrial biogenesis and positive changes in mitochondrial dynamics (fission and fusion) and activity, as measured indirectly by changes in citrate synthase and Ucp3 expression. Discussion: Results reinforce the potential of EC as a modulator of mitochondrial function in dysfunctional conditions associated with obesity, thereby attenuating the mechanisms underlying sarcopenia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4404 KB  
Article
Exploring the Antidiabetic Properties of Polyalthia longifolia Leaf and Stem Extracts: In Vitro α-Glucosidase and Glycation Inhibition
by Guglielmina Froldi, Marguerite Kamdem Simo, Laura Tomasi, Giulia Tadiotto, Francine Medjiofack Djeujo, Xavier Gabriel Fopokam, Emmanuel Souana, Modeste Lambert Sameza, Pierre Michel Jazet and Fabrice Fekam Boyom
Molecules 2025, 30(21), 4264; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30214264 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447
Abstract
Polyalthia longifolia, a member of the Annonaceae family, is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including as an antidiabetic remedy, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the potential of six P. longifolia extracts in counteracting hyperglycemia and diabetes-related complications. [...] Read more.
Polyalthia longifolia, a member of the Annonaceae family, is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including as an antidiabetic remedy, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the potential of six P. longifolia extracts in counteracting hyperglycemia and diabetes-related complications. Aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts from leaves and stems were evaluated for their antihyperglycemic, antiglycation, and antiradical properties using α-glucosidase, BSA, and ORAC assays, respectively. Phytochemical characterization was conducted using TPC and TFC assays, and HPLC analysis identified specific bioactive compounds, including various phenolic compounds (gallic acid, (+)-catechin, epicatechin, caffeic acid, ellagic acid and rosmarinic acid) and flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol and baicalein). The MTT assay on the human cell line HT-29 assessed the activity of extracts on cell viability, showing slight cytotoxicity. Results demonstrated significant antidiabetic activity of the ethanol and methanol extracts from P. longifolia leaves. This study provides new insights into the potential use of P. longifolia in diabetes mellitus and supports the valorization of traditional medicinal plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 16343 KB  
Review
Modulatory Effects of Bioactive Phytoconstituents on the Amplitude and Gating Properties of Membrane Ion Channels
by Sheng-Nan Wu, Guglielmina Froldi, Ya-Jean Wang and Rasa Liutkevičienė
Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081360 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1085
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the modulatory actions of plant-derived constituents on membrane ion channels in various cell types. Among their diverse bioactivities, ion channel regulation—governing membrane excitability, signal transduction, and cellular homeostasis—has emerged as a critical mechanistic basis for their [...] Read more.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the modulatory actions of plant-derived constituents on membrane ion channels in various cell types. Among their diverse bioactivities, ion channel regulation—governing membrane excitability, signal transduction, and cellular homeostasis—has emerged as a critical mechanistic basis for their pharmacological effects. Twenty-four representative phytoconstituents are discussed and classified into five major categories based on their structural features: alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans and acetogenins, polyphenols, and other aromatic and conjugated compounds. Across these categories, the reviewed compounds exhibit distinct and often highly specific effects on the amplitude and gating kinetics of multiple ionic currents, including voltage-gated Na+ currents (INa), delayed-rectifier K+ currents (IK(DR)), M-type K+ currents (IK(M)), hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (Ih), erg-mediated K+ currents (IK(erg)), inwardly rectifying K+ currents, and Ca2+-activated K+ currents (IK(Ca)). Alkaloids predominantly suppress voltage-gated K+ currents, with notable exceptions such as aconitine, which alters the properties of both INa and IK(DR), thereby contributing to its proarrhythmic toxicity. Terpenoids, including cannabidiol, croton diterpenoids, lutein, thymol, and triptolide, exert multifaceted effects on IK(M), Ih, inwardly rectifying K+ currents, and Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Lignans and acetogenins, such as gomisin A, honokiol, sesamin, and squamocin, primarily modulate INa, Ih, and IK(Ca), with several compounds demonstrating strong links between ion-channel modulation and anti-neoplastic or neuroprotective actions. Polyphenolic compounds, including curcumin, eugenol, resveratrol, gastrodigenin, gastrodin, and pterostilbene, display diverse ion-channel targeting profiles, influencing multiple Na+ and K+ channel subtypes. Other aromatic or conjugated compounds, such as isoplumbagin, plumbagin, and verteporfin, regulate IK(erg) and IK(Ca), potentially contributing to both therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects. Collectively, the compound-specific modulation of current amplitude and gating kinetics offers valuable mechanistic insight into the pharmacological and toxicological significance of plant-derived natural products, highlighting the functional role of ion channel evaluation in guiding their therapeutic development and ensuring safety assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity of Natural Compounds: From Plants to Humans, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop