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

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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