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Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases

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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 | Viewed by 2993

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Dr. Raluca Maria Pop

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Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babes, 8, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: spectroscopy; chromatography; mass spectrometry; plant bioactive compounds; antioxidant activity; oxidative stress and inflammation; cardiovascular diseases
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Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, essential oils, and sulfur-containing metabolites, play a pivotal role in modulating inflammatory processes and enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms. These naturally occurring phytochemicals, widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other plant-derived matrices, possess the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby mitigating oxidative stress, a central factor in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. Furthermore, bioactive compounds can regulate key cellular signaling cascades, such as NF-κB, Nrf2, and MAPK pathways, leading to the downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, prostaglandins, and chemokines. Through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, these compounds demonstrate significant potential in the prevention and as adjuvant treatments in the management of inflammation-associated disorders, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neurodegenerative conditions, as well as cancer, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal disorders. Importantly, the concentration-dependent effects of these compounds are critical to their therapeutic efficacy, as deviations from optimal levels may disrupt the delicate pro-oxidant–antioxidant equilibrium. While physiologically relevant concentrations confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, excessive doses can paradoxically induce pro-oxidant effects, thereby promoting oxidative stress and cellular damage.

This Special Issue cordially invites the submission of original research articles, short communications, and review papers centered on natural bioactive compounds. Contributions are welcome on, but not limited to, the following research topics:

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of plant-derived bioactive compounds using various in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation-related diseases.
Molecular pathways modulated by specific bioactive compounds in controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.
Efficacy and safety of bioactive compounds administration.
Concentration-dependent effects of bioactive compounds and their optimal therapeutic window.
The effect of bioactive compounds on the antioxidant / pro-oxidant balance.

Dr. Raluca Maria Pop
Guest Editor

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Keywords

natural bioactive compounds
antioxidant activities
anti-inflammatory activities
efficacy, safety, concentration-dependent effects
antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 2736 KB

Open AccessArticle

Kujiol A Inhibits Interferon-γ and Interleukin-2 Expression and the NFATc2 Interaction with Their Promoters in T Cells

by Tanpitcha Yodweerapong, Rikako Yamaguchi, Ayaka Nakao, Sakihito Kitajima, Tomoo Shiba, Ken-ichi Kimura and Takao Kataoka

Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101613 - 11 May 2026

Viewed by 60

Abstract

Kujiol A is one of the kujigamberol-related compounds isolated from Kuji amber. We previously demonstrated that kujiol A exhibited multiple biological activities, including the inhibition of Ca²⁺ signal transduction. In the present study, we found that kujiol A prevented the transcription of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and Fas ligand in T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes)-transfected murine T cell lymphoma BW5147 cells stimulated with phorbol ester and ionomycin (a calcium ionophore). In the murine cytotoxic T cell line CTLL-2, kujiol A reduced ionomycin-induced increases in IFN-γ mRNA expression. Luciferase reporter assays revealed that kujiol A inhibited the transcriptional activities of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and, to a lesser extent, nuclear factor κB in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. Kujiol A did not affect NFATc2 (also known as NFAT1) protein expression. However, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that kujiol A prevented the NFATc2 protein from interacting with the IFN-γ and IL-2 promoters in Eomes-transfected BW5147 cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that kujiol A is a potent immunosuppressant that inhibits T cell cytokine expression by targeting the NFAT pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases)

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19 pages, 507 KB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Mango By-Products: Bioactive Potential of Peel and Seeds and Their In Vitro Bioavailability

by Sayonara Reyna, María de Guía Córdoba, María Ángeles Rivas, Iris Gudiño, María Vázquez-Hernández, Víctor Otero-Tuárez, Jaime Domínguez and Rocío Casquete

Molecules 2026, 31(9), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31091462 - 28 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) processing generates peel and seed by-products with high potential for valorization as sources of phenolic-rich ingredients. In this study, peel and seed from four Ecuadorian cultivars were extracted by ultrasound-assisted hydroalcoholic extraction and characterized for total phenolics, phenolic profile by HPLC-ESI-QTOF, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS), and antimicrobial activity against food-relevant bacteria. A dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was also applied to evaluate digestion-driven changes in phenolic-related measurements and antioxidant response, and to assess colonic fermentation outputs, including short-chain fatty acids and viable microbial populations. The results showed a strong dependence on cultivar and by-product type, with total phenolics ranging from 2562.35 to 6304.35 mg GAE/100 g in peels and 212.69 to 3006.48 mg GAE/100 g in seeds. LC–MS profiles were dominated by gallotannin-related compounds and phenolic acids. Extracts displayed antioxidant activity (DPPH: 221.97–456.31 mg Trolox/100 g in peels; 43.71–530.46 mg Trolox/100 g in seeds) and dose-dependent antibacterial effects, with inhibition at 700 mg/L reaching 87.57–94.75%. Digestion markedly modulated phenolic-related indices and fermentation-associated metabolites, with peel phenolics decreasing from 284.27 to 73.95 mg GAE/L and seed extracts increasing propionic acid production up to 55.46 mM. Overall, mango peel and seed are differentiated, cultivar-sensitive sources of bioactive extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial functionality and measurable impacts on colonic fermentation, supporting their use as sustainable ingredients for circular-economy food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases)

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22 pages, 6139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanistic Insights into Piperine-Driven Oxidative Stress, Autophagy Activation and Anti-Migration Effects in Caco-2 Cells

by Hla Sudan, Sofia Passaponti, Ilenia Casini, Roberta Romagnoli, Laura Cresti, Mariangela Gentile, Maria Frosini and Anna Maria Aloisi

Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071106 - 27 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Background: Piperine, an alkaloid from Piper nigrum, modulates oxidative stress, proliferation, and survival pathways in several cancer models; however, its mechanistic effects in colorectal epithelial Caco-2 cells remain insufficiently defined. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, oxidative, autophagic, and anti-migratory effects of piperine in Caco-2 cells. Methods: Caco-2 cells were treated with piperine (0.001–0.1 mg/mL) for up to 72 h. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were assessed using SRB and scratch assays. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and tight junction integrity were evaluated through ROS quantification, Western blotting, gene expression analysis, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NACET was used to determine the contribution of oxidative stress to piperine-induced cytotoxicity and autophagy. Results: Piperine induced a time- and dose-dependent reduction in viability, with viability decreasing to 53.0 ± 2.88% at 0.1 mg/mL after 72 h. Proliferation decreased to 51% of control levels (p < 0.001), accompanied by p21 upregulation (p < 0.05), indicating G2/M cell cycle arrest. Piperine markedly increased intracellular ROS (p < 0.001), downregulated NRF2 (p < 0.05), and suppressed GSTA1 expression (p < 0.001), while NACET co-treatment restored viability (p < 0.001). No activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis was observed. Piperine significantly enhanced autophagic flux, as shown by the increased LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio (p < 0.01), elevated LC3B-II/LAMP-1 co-localization (p < 0.01), and chloroquine-induced accumulation of LC3B-II and p62 (p < 0.01), with preserved lysosomal function. TEM analysis confirmed a marked increase in double-membrane autophagosomes in piperine-treated cells compared with controls. NACET reduced LC3B-II/LC3B-I levels, increased p21 expression, and significantly improved cell viability, indicating that piperine-induced autophagy is cytotoxic and driven by oxidative stress. Additionally, piperine upregulated occludin (p < 0.01) and reduced cell migration independently of proliferation (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Piperine exerts antiproliferative effects in Caco-2 cells through ROS-mediated stress, p21-dependent G2/M arrest, and activation of cytotoxic autophagy. Its ability to impair migration and enhance tight junction integrity further supports its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in colon cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases)

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26 pages, 2866 KB

Open AccessArticle

Red and White Grape Pomace Possess Cardioprotective Effects by Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Ischemic Heart Disease

by Dan Claudiu Măgureanu, Raluca Maria Pop, Veronica Sanda Chedea, Paul-Mihai Boarescu, Mădălina Luciana Gherman, Ștefan Horia Roșian, Floricuța Ranga, Ioana Sorina Giurca, Elena Mihaela Jianu, Adriana Florinela Cătoi, Anca Dana Buzoianu and Ioana Corina Bocsan

Molecules 2026, 31(2), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020383 - 21 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Background: Cardiac ischemia (CI) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, prompting an ongoing search for new treatment options. This study explored and compared the preventive cardioprotective effects of polyphenols extracted from red (RGP) and white grape pomace (WGP) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischemia, with a focus on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: I—Saline, II—Saline+ISO, III—Ramipril+ISO, IV—WGP+ISO, and V—RGP+ISO. CI was induced in Groups II–V with ISO (45 mg/kg, on day 13), a dose widely used to reproducibly induce myocardial ischemic injury in experimental models. Electrocardiographic parameters, serum oxidative markers, cytokines, and tissue homogenates from the liver and heart were analyzed on day 14. Results: ISO significantly shortened the RR interval and increased the ventricular rate, without significant modulation by any treatment. The reduction in R-wave amplitude caused by ISO was lessened in all treated groups, with RGP showing values closer to Saline (RGP+ISO vs. Saline, p = 0.329). No differences were found among groups for PR segment, QRS duration, QT, or QTc intervals. Furthermore, all treated groups (III–V) showed significant improvements in oxidative and inflammatory markers compared to Saline+ISO (p < 0.05), with RGP demonstrating the strongest antioxidant activity by maintaining MDA and NO levels close to Saline (RGP+ISO vs. Saline, p > 0.05), while WGP exhibited superior anti-inflammatory effects in cardiac tissue by preserving IL-6 and IL-1β levels comparable to controls (WGP+ISO vs. Saline, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Grape pomace, especially RGP, may offer cardioprotection by decreasing oxidative stress, while WGP more effectively reduces inflammation. The complementary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects observed suggest that combining GP extracts may represent a promising hypothesis for future cardiovascular research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases)

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21 pages, 1963 KB

Open AccessArticle

Juniperus communis L. Needle Extract Modulates Oxidative and Inflammatory Pathways in an Experimental Model of Acute Inflammation

by Dinu Bolunduț, Alina Elena Pârvu, Andra Diana Cecan, Anca Elena But, Florica Ranga, Marcel Pârvu, Iulia Ioana Morar and Ciprian Ovidiu Dalai

Molecules 2026, 31(2), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020247 - 11 Jan 2026

Viewed by 752

Abstract

Juniperus communis L. is a conifer widely used in traditional European medicine for the management of inflammatory disorders. However, its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation remain incompletely characterized. The present study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic needle extract of J. communis using in vitro assays and an in vivo model of acute inflammation induced by turpentine oil in rats. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS revealed a polyphenol-rich extract dominated by flavonols, flavanols, and hydroxybenzoic acids, with quercetin derivatives and taxifolin as major constituents. In vitro analyses demonstrated radical-scavenging and reducing capacities, exceeding or comparable to reference antioxidants in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ferric-reducing, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. In vivo, both therapeutic and prophylactic administration of the extract significantly attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress, as evidenced by reductions in total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, alongside restoration of total antioxidant capacity and thiol levels. These effects were concentration-dependent. Concomitantly, inflammatory signaling was suppressed, with decreased NF-κB activity and reduced levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. These results support the use of these extracts, whose benefits have been observed in traditional medicine, providing scientific support for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of J. communis extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases)

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