Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 13302

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Stela Dimitrova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15A Vasil Aprilov Boulevard, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: natural product chemistry; bioactivity; chromatography; yeasts; plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ana M. Dobreva

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute for Roses and Aromatic Plants, Agricultural Academy, 49 Osvobojdenie Blvd., 6100 Kazanlak, Bulgaria
Interests: essential oils; processing technology; distillation; extraction; chemistry of natural products; essential-oil-bearing plants; medicinal plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Petko Denev

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: food chemistry; functional foods; nutraceuticals; biologically active substances; extraction; secondary metabolites; antioxidants; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nature is an inexhaustible source of biologically active substances, and research related to them will always be relevant, regardless of whether new molecules are discovered or new activities of already known compounds are proven. For centuries, people have used the bounty of nature in the areas they inhabited, both for food and medicine. Today, borders have taken on another dimension, and the accumulated knowledge about the benefits of natural products is becoming available to many more people around the world. From an ecological point of view, it is extremely important to recover waste from agriculture and the food sector, which is a potential source of biologically important molecules. Modern science allows for the study of the metabolism of compounds of natural origin at the cellular level, modifying natural molecules in order to obtain derivatives with better activity or lower toxicity, and conducting in-depth research on a wide range of pharmacological effects.

Therefore, this Special Issue of Molecules aims to promote the latest advances in the isolation and identification of new molecules, the modification of known ones, and the demonstration of in vitro and in vivo activities of biologically active substances from terrestrial and marine plants and animals or microorganisms. Authors are encouraged to submit original articles or reviews.

Dr. Stela Dimitrova
Dr. Ana M. Dobreva
Prof. Dr. Petko Denev
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. 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 bioactive compounds
isolation and analysis
metabolism
in vitro and in vivo experiments
pharmacological study

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

Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products in Molecules (12 articles)

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 13125 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can Aquatic Plant Turions Serve as a Source of Arabinogalactans? Immunohistochemical Detection of AGPs in Turion Cells

by Bartosz J. Płachno, Lubomír Adamec, Marcin Feldo, Piotr Stolarczyk and Małgorzata Kapusta

Molecules 2025, 30(24), 4689; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30244689 - 7 Dec 2025

Viewed by 963

Abstract

Turions (overwintering buds) as modified shoot apices constitute specialized vegetative structures that enable many aquatic vascular plants to withstand adverse environmental conditions such as low temperature, desiccation, or limited light availability. Turions serve as major storage sites for organic reserves, including sugars, proteins, fatty acids, and polyamines. Owing to their high content of energy-rich and nutritionally valuable compounds, turions represent a potential renewable resource for applications in biofuel production, animal feed, and the food industry. We investigated whether arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) occur in aquatic plant turions and localized these compounds within specific tissues or cell types. This work was designed to evaluate whether stress-resistant storage organs may constitute a practical reservoir of AGPs. Considering the central role of AGPs in plant responses to abiotic stress, we hypothesized that turions, which routinely encounter cold, anoxia, and intermittent dehydration, would exhibit particularly high AGP accumulation. Mature turions of aquatic species (Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Utricularia australis, U. intermedia, and Caldesia parnassifolia) were used. Immunofluorescent labeling with AGP-specific antibodies (JIM8, JIM13, JIM14, LM2, MAC207) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were employed. In Aldrovanda vesiculosa and Caldesia parnassifolia, AGP epitopes were abundantly presented in cytoplasmic compartments. AGP epitopes occurred in secretory structures in turions of all examined species (trichomes of Aldrovanda and Utricularia, secretory ducts of Caldesia). In analyzing turions of four different species, we identified Aldrovanda vesiculosa turions as the most promising potential source of AGPs, also noting their high reserve potential for use in animal feed or the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Profile of Free and Conjugated Phenolic Compounds of Okra Pods Subjected to High-Humidity Hot-Air Impingement Blanching (HHAIB)

by Danuta Zielińska, Natalia Płatosz, Kacper Górski, Magdalena Zielińska, Hong-Wei Xiao and Henryk Zieliński

Molecules 2025, 30(24), 4665; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30244665 - 5 Dec 2025

Viewed by 668

Abstract

The profiles of free, ester-bound, and glycoside-bound phenolic compounds in okra pods (OP) subjected to high-humidity hot-air impingement blanching (HHAIB) for up to 120 s were analyzed using a micro-HPLC-QTRAP/MS/MS method. Fourteen phenolic acids and ten flavonoids were identified in both unprocessed and HHAIB-treated samples. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were mainly present in free and ester-bound forms. HHAIB treatment up to 60 s resulted in a progressive decrease in the contents of free, ester-bound, and glycoside-bound phenolic acids. In contrast, the content of free flavonoids initially increased after 5 s of HHAIB, followed by a gradual decrease in conjugated forms with prolonged treatment. The results indicate that blanching for 90 s ensured the highest partial recovery of free and conjugated phenolic acids after initial loss as compared to the non-treated material. These findings demonstrate that HHAIB treatment can effectively modulate the phenolic composition of okra pods and help identify optimal processing conditions for maximizing the retention of bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6916 KB

Open AccessArticle

Elucidation of the Neuroprotective Effects of Astaxanthin Against Amyloid β Toxicity in the SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line

by Sahithya Hulimane Ananda, Masahiro Kuragano and Kiyotaka Tokuraku

Molecules 2025, 30(21), 4271; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30214271 - 3 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, primarily due to amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation in the brain. Astaxanthin (AxN), a xanthophyll carotenoid derived from Haematococcus pluvialis, possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of AxN against Aβ aggregation in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Initially, AxN inhibited Aβ aggregation in DMEM/F12 culture medium but not in PBS, suggesting a medium-dependent effect. Using quantum dot nanoprobes, Aβ aggregation was visualized in the presence of SH-SY5Y cells. AxN treatment (0.032–20 µM) significantly reduced Aβ aggregation and accumulation on SH-SY5Y cells. AxN also prevented Aβ-induced early apoptotic cell death but was less effective against late necrosis. Furthermore, a wound-healing assay showed that AxN restored the impaired cell motility caused by Aβ aggregation. Thioflavin T staining confirmed the reduction in Aβ fibril formation around the cells following AxN treatment. In conclusion, our study suggests that AxN prevents Aβ aggregation and accumulation on the cell surface, thereby restoring cell motility and preventing early apoptosis in neuronal cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1209 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiling of Ferula varia Extract and Its Antibiofilm Activity Against Streptococcus mutans

by Marlen K. Smagulov, Yana K. Levaya, Karakoz Zh. Badekova, Svetlana A. Ivasenko, Gayane A. Atazhanova, Vika Gabe, Margarita Yu. Ishmuratova and Tomas Kacergius

Molecules 2025, 30(21), 4178; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30214178 - 24 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1300

Abstract

Dental caries is a major global health concern, with Streptococcus mutans playing a key role in biofilm formation and acid production, which lead to enamel demineralization. Natural products, particularly plant-derived extracts, offer promising alternatives to conventional antibacterial agents. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of Ferula varia 70% ethanol extract (FVE) and evaluate its potential to inhibit biofilm formation by S. mutans. The aerial parts of F. varia were extracted with 70% ethanol and analyzed using LC-UV-ESI-MS/MS to determine the chemical profile. The anti-biofilm activity of FVE was evaluated using a crystal violet assay against S. mutans. Phytochemical analysis identified 14 compounds, including major phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acid, gallic acid) and flavonoids (e.g., isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside). FVE exhibited significant, dose-dependent inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation. Importantly, the FVE concentration of 5 mg/mL inhibited S. mutans biofilm development by 100%. The potent antibiofilm activity of FVE against S. mutans is likely due to the synergistic action of its rich content of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which possess known anti-virulence properties. These findings support the potential use of FVE as a natural ingredient in oral hygiene products to prevent dental plaque and caries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 5657 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Pectin Polysaccharide from Arnebia szechenyi Kanitz and Its Digestion Product: Physicochemical Properties and Immunostimulatory and Antioxidant Activities

by Surina Bo, Peng Zhao, Sarangua Ochir, Huiwen Pang, Mu Dan, Wenming Bai, Man Zhang and Jingkun Lu

Molecules 2025, 30(19), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193852 - 23 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1028

Abstract

The root of Arnebia szechenyi Kanitz, known as “Mongolia Zicao,” has been widely used in traditional Chinese and Mongolia medicine. Herein, we aimed to characterize a pectin polysaccharide extracted from A. szechenyi Kanitz root (ASP), elucidate its structure, and evaluate potential immunomodulatory activities through in vitro assays. Sugar composition analysis and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) revealed that ASP is predominantly composed of GalA (45.44%), Gal (22.13%), and Ara (19.86%) with a homogenous molecular weight of 18.4 kD. ASP was identified as a typical pectin-like polysaccharide containing linear HG domains and potentially linked to complex branches with Ara and Glu residues. The monosaccharide analysis of the digestion product, D-ASP, supported this hypothesis. The Congo red test indicated the absence of a triple-helix structure in ASP and its digestion product D-ASP. ASP exhibited an irregular structure due to the branching fork, which disappeared after digestion, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, ASP and D-ASP had certain antioxidant activities and significantly stimulated the release of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-a, NO), macrophage proliferation and phagocytic capability in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings outline the chemical and biological foundation for the development of novel drug candidates in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antihypertensive Effect of a Self-Microemulsifying System Obtained from an Ethanolic Extract of Heliopsis longipes Root in Spontaneously and L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

by Dailenys Marrero-Morfa, Beatriz A. Luz-Martínez, Francisco J. Luna-Vázquez, Carlos T. Quirino-Barreda, Isela Rojas-Molina, Martín García-Servín, Pedro A. Vázquez-Landaverde, Victoria Ruiz-Castillo, César Ibarra-Alvarado and Alejandra Rojas-Molina

Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3711; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183711 - 12 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. Previously, our research group has demonstrated that both organic extracts from Heliopsis longipes roots and affinin—its principal bioactive compound—induce vasodilation and exert antihypertensive effects in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. However, the poor water solubility of these extracts limits their oral administration and dosing. To address this limitation, a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (HL-SMDS) was developed from an ethanolic extract of H. longipes root to enhance its aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. This study evaluated the antihypertensive efficacy of HL-SMDS in spontaneously hypertensive and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rat models, as well as its effects on endothelial reactivity. HL-SMDS significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in both models, demonstrating greater efficacy than the crude extract, likely due to improved solubility and systemic bioavailability of the active constituents. Moreover, HL-SMDS enhanced endothelial function in aortas from L-NAME-treated rats. These findings support the potential of HL-SMDS as a lipid-based phytopharmaceutical formulation that improves the oral bioavailability and antihypertensive effect of the ethanolic extract of H. longipes root. HL-SMDS offers a promising strategy for the development of phytopharmaceutical drugs to treat hypertension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 19521 KB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemistry, Biological Synthesis, and Pharmacology of Flavonoids from Genus Polygonatum

by Hong-Qun Liu, Zheng-Yi Qu, Bo He, Cai Shao, Jun Zhang and Wei Hou

Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101558 - 7 May 2026

Viewed by 410

Abstract

Polygonatum Mill. is a member of the Liliaceae family that is widely distributed across the world. Modern pharmacological and phytochemical studies have demonstrated that Polygonatum species have abundant bioactive chemical constituents, including saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Among them, flavonoids have attracted growing research interest due to their remarkable pharmacological properties; to date, 93 flavonoids have been isolated and characterized from this genus. These flavonoids exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. For this review, articles were retrieved by searching online databases including ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar and CNKI. Research published from 1997 to March 2026 is systematically reviewed herein, with a focus on the structural characteristics, plausible biosynthetic pathways and pharmacological activities of flavonoids from this genus. This review presents updated, comprehensive, and classified information on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of flavonoids in the genus Polygonatum, aiming to provide a reference for the further exploitation and utilization of Polygonatum resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

56 pages, 1648 KB

Open AccessReview

Biological Activity of Stilbenoids Against Fungal, Parasitic, and Viral Pathogens

by Aristodemos-Theodoros Periferakis, Argyrios Periferakis, Lamprini Troumpata, Konstantinos Periferakis, Andreea-Elena Scheau, Adrian Iftime, Ana Caruntu, Ioana Anca Badarau, Constantin Caruntu and Cristian Scheau

Molecules 2026, 31(5), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050830 - 1 Mar 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 884

Abstract

Stilbenoids are plant-derived chemical compounds that are classified as phytoalexins; recent focus has been drawn, especially on astringin, piceid, piceatannol, pterostilbene, pinosylvin, and resveratrol. These substances have been extensively studied for a variety of beneficial properties, including their effects on pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. In their antifungal capacity, they are effective against Aspergillus spp., Botrytis spp., Candida spp., Trichophyton spp., and other fungi; tested stilbenoids have exhibited fungicidal and fungistatic effects, and inhibition of biofilm formation. Against parasites, they are effective against Echinococcus spp., Leishmania spp., Schistosoma spp., Trypanosoma spp., Toxoplasma spp., among others. Relevant action mechanisms include a reduction in parasitic enzymatic activity and inhibition of proliferation. They are also effective against different DNA and RNA viruses; the relevant mechanisms comprise reduction in viral replication, inhibition of viral genome expression, and viral attachment to cells. The toxicity of stilbenoids has been reviewed in recent papers, and, in most cases, the effective concentrations applied are well below the toxicity limit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3534 KB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemistry, Bioactivity, and Toxicological Duality of Oxytropis glabra DC: A Review

by Karlygash Raganina, Akerke Amirkhanova, Sholpan Akhelova, Aiman Berdgaleyeva, Meruyert Amantayeva, Elmira Kartbayeva, Aigul Kaldybayeva, Madi Nurlybayev, Yerbol Ikhsanov, Nurzhan Iztileu, Zhanserik Shynykul and Moldir Koilybayeva

Molecules 2026, 31(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31010044 - 22 Dec 2025

Viewed by 917

Abstract

Oxytropis glabra DC, a Fabaceae species distributed across Central Asia, is characterized by a dual biological profile encompassing pronounced toxicity alongside promising pharmacological potential. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its phytochemistry, bioactivity, and toxicological liabilities to clarify the plant’s risk–benefit landscape. The objectives are to summarize the dominant classes of metabolites identified in O. glabra, evaluate their toxicological and therapeutic relevance, and identify key gaps limiting translational research. O. glabra contains a diverse array of secondary metabolites, with quinolizidine and indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, anagyrine, thermopsine, and sparteine, representing the primary determinants of toxicity. These compounds are associated with teratogenicity, neurotoxicity, and locoism through mechanisms involving α-mannosidase inhibition, disruption of glycoprotein processing, and impaired lysosomal homeostasis. In contrast, flavonoids such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, and kaempferol derivatives exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, while triterpenoid saponins and fatty acids contribute additional cytoprotective and metabolic activities. Despite extensive reports on both toxic and bioactive constituents, critical gaps remain regarding chemotype variability, dose–response relationships, and pharmacokinetics, which currently constrain therapeutic exploitation. Future research should prioritize defining safe exposure thresholds, elucidating structure–activity relationships, and developing standardized extracts or optimized derivatives that balance efficacy and safety. This integrative perspective highlights O. glabra as a chemically rich but biologically ambivalent species whose toxicological risks and pharmacological opportunities warrant systematic mechanistic investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2183 KB

Open AccessReview

Salidroside: A Potential Drug Candidate to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Jiaying Guo, Shan Jiang, Mei Liu, Min Wang, Beibei Han, Ning Zhang, Yumei Liao, Yinhong Xiang, Jianxin Liu and Huifeng Sun

Molecules 2025, 30(19), 3865; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193865 - 24 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3555

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a widespread autoimmune disease that significantly impacts the lives of RA patients. It is often typified as swelling and deformation of small joints, as well as systemic inflammation. Rhodiola rosea has been utilized for millennia to treat various ailments and is known to contain numerous active compounds, including saponins, volatile oils, coumarins, and flavonoids. Recent studies have underscored the pivotal role of salidroside (SAL), a key constituent of Rhodiola rosea L. Modern research indicates that SAL has various pharmacological activities, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-cancer effects. Despite this, the pathogenesis of RA remains highly complex, and a notable lack exists in overview studies investigating the anti-RA mechanisms of SAL. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the present research efforts on the anti-RA mechanisms of SAL and to explore future research prospects for this compound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI