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Functional Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, 2nd Edition
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Functional Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 2555

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kuniyoshi Shimizu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
Interests: natural medicines; natural cosmetics; natural functional foods; natural aroma; natural dwelling space
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yhiya Amen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Interests: natural products chemistry; ethnopharmacology; functional foods; medicinal mushrooms; evidence-based herbal medicines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue offers a platform for researchers to share cutting-edge studies and advancements in evaluating the functional properties of bioactive compounds sourced from nature.

This collection of articles likely includes research on the identification, isolation, characterization, and assessment of bioactive compounds from various natural sources such as plants, marine organisms, fungi, and microorganisms. Researchers might explore the bioavailability, bioactivity, mechanisms of action, and potential health-promoting effects of these compounds.

Moreover, this Special Issue could cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Bioassays and in vitro/in vivo studies: investigations into the biological activities of natural compounds through cell-based assays or animal models.
  • Pharmacokinetics and metabolism: studies focusing on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of bioactive compounds in living organisms.
  • Synergistic effects and formulation: research on the interactions between different bioactive compounds or the development of novel formulations to enhance bioavailability and efficacy.
  • Therapeutic applications: exploration of the potential therapeutic uses of bioactive compounds in treating various diseases or conditions.
  • Safety and toxicology: assessments of the safety profile and potential toxic effects of bioactive compounds.

Overall, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape regarding bioactive compounds from natural sources, offering insights into their functional properties and potential applications in improving human health and well-being.

Dr. Kuniyoshi Shimizu
Guest Editor

Dr. Yhiya Amen
Guest Editor Assistant

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • bioactive compounds
  • natural sources
  • functional evaluation
  • biological activities
  • health benefits
  • mechanisms of action
  • bioactivity
  • phytochemicals

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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33 pages, 6958 KiB  
Article
Development of Fucoxanthin-Enriched Yogurt Using Nanoliposomal Carriers: A Strategy for Functional Dairy Products with Antioxidant and Erythroprotective Benefits
by Miguel Ángel Robles-García, Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sánchez, Germán Limón-Vargas, Melesio Gutiérrez-Lomelí, María Guadalupe Avila-Novoa, Fridha Viridiana Villalpando-Vargas, Brenda Vega-Ruiz, Ariadna Thalía Bernal-Mercado, Rey David Iturralde-García, Abril Ivett Priscilla Gómez-Guzman, Ernesto Ramírez-Briones, Reyna Guadalupe López-Berrellez and Ricardo Iván González-Vega
Molecules 2025, 30(8), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30081854 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
In pursuing functional foods that promote health, nanoliposomal carriers have been used to enhance the stability and functionality of dairy products such as yogurt, promising therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fucoxanthin-loaded nanoliposomes in yogurt on its antioxidant, physicochemical, [...] Read more.
In pursuing functional foods that promote health, nanoliposomal carriers have been used to enhance the stability and functionality of dairy products such as yogurt, promising therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fucoxanthin-loaded nanoliposomes in yogurt on its antioxidant, physicochemical, and rheological properties under cold storage (21 days). Fucoxanthin-loaded nanoliposomes were prepared using the ultrasonic film dispersion technique and added at concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% in the yogurt (Y-C, Y-FXN-5, Y-FXN-10). Homogeneous and uniform nanoliposomes (98.28 nm) were obtained, preserving their integrity and functionality and ensuring the prolonged release and bioavailability of fucoxanthin. Y-FXN-10 maintained the highest antioxidant activity according to the DPPH (52.96%), ABTS (97.97%), and FRAP (3.16 mmol ET/g) methods. This formulation exhibited enhanced erythroprotective potential, inhibiting hemolysis, photohemolysis, and heat-induced hemolysis. However, viscosity and firmness decreased, affecting the texture and appearance. Sensory properties such as the color, flavor, aftertaste, texture, and overall acceptance improved with the 10% fucoxanthin-enriched yogurt formulation. These results suggest that nanoliposomes are suitable for carrying fucoxanthin. Their incorporation into food matrices is critical to developing functional foods. Regulatory approvals and consumer perceptions regarding nanotechnology-based products must be addressed, emphasizing their safety and health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 5939 KiB  
Article
Peperomia campylotropa A.W. Hill: Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Metabolomic Profile Related to Its Gastroprotective Activity
by Yazmín K. Márquez-Flores, Jesús Ayala-Velasco, José Correa-Basurto, Alan Estrada-Pérez and M. Estela Meléndez-Camargo
Molecules 2025, 30(4), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30040772 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 607
Abstract
Peperomia campylotropa (Piperaceae) is a species with a traditional Mexican gastroprotective use that has never-before been studied using metabolomics. This study explores the ethnobotanical use of the species, aiming to define the gastroprotective effect of the aqueous extract and characterize its secondary metabolites [...] Read more.
Peperomia campylotropa (Piperaceae) is a species with a traditional Mexican gastroprotective use that has never-before been studied using metabolomics. This study explores the ethnobotanical use of the species, aiming to define the gastroprotective effect of the aqueous extract and characterize its secondary metabolites by UHPLC–MS analysis. To validate its use, we botanically identified the species re-collected in the Municipality of Buenavista de Cuéllar, Guerrero, Mexico. We conducted interviews to provide evidence of the traditional details of its consumption and knowledge. Subsequently, qualitative phytochemical tests were performed to elucidate the possible secondary metabolites, which were also characterized under UHPLC–MS analysis and analyzed according to their primary type and retention times. Indomethacin (IND)- and ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric damage models in Wistar rats were used for pharmacological evaluation, considering the ulceration index and gastroprotection percentage. Along with the participation in the mechanism of action of nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryl (-SH) groups and prostaglandins (PG) were elucidated by Wistar rats pretreated with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM), and IND, respectively. Acute intragastric toxicity was also estimated in NIH female mice. Ninety people were interviewed, revealing the traditional knowledge of P. campylotropa as food and medicine for stomach diseases, including irritation and indigestion. The presence of phenolic compounds (48%), N-containing compounds (22%), glycosides (21%), terpenoids (7%), and lactones (4%) were verified by preliminary phytochemical analysis and by UHPLC–MS in which 162 secondary metabolites were characterized. Besides that, the aqueous extract at 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) decreased the ulcerative index, showing gastroprotection percentages between 60 and 80%, similar to that of omeprazole. Furthermore, -SH group participation in its activity was established. All this evidence supports the gastroprotective activity of P. campylotropa for the first time and contributes to understanding its secondary metabolite content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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26 pages, 991 KiB  
Review
Lactoferrin—A Regulator of Iron Homeostasis and Its Implications in Cancer
by Izabela Bolesławska, Natasza Bolesławska-Król, Karol Jakubowski, Juliusz Przysławski and Sławomira Drzymała-Czyż
Molecules 2025, 30(7), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071507 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Cancer is a global health challenge, and its development is closely linked to iron metabolism. Cancer cells have an increased demand for this element, which promotes their proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Excess iron catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can [...] Read more.
Cancer is a global health challenge, and its development is closely linked to iron metabolism. Cancer cells have an increased demand for this element, which promotes their proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Excess iron catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can both induce ferroptosis and initiate oncogenic signaling pathways. The deregulation of iron metabolism in cancer patients leads to anemia or toxic iron overload and also affects the gut microbiota. Lactoferrin (LF), a glycoprotein with strong iron chelating properties, can regulate its availability to cancer cells, thereby limiting their growth and progression. By chelating free Fe ions, LF reduces oxidative stress and inhibits the mechanisms that promote carcinogenesis. Additionally, it exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and may enhance the body’s anti-tumor response. This review analyses the mechanisms of action of lactoferrin in the context of cancer, with a particular focus on its chelating, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The multidirectional effects of LF make it a promising component of preventive and therapeutic strategies, requiring further clinical studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 10674 KiB  
Review
Recent Updates on Terpenoids and Other Bioactive Constituents of Marine Sponges
by Maggie J. F. Raymond and Harinantenaina L. Rakotondraibe
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051112 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 816
Abstract
Marine sponges are a promising source of bioactive secondary metabolites, contributing hundreds of novel compounds per year to natural product research, each with diverse chemical and biological properties. We have chosen to highlight marine natural products that exhibited unique structural features and/or significant [...] Read more.
Marine sponges are a promising source of bioactive secondary metabolites, contributing hundreds of novel compounds per year to natural product research, each with diverse chemical and biological properties. We have chosen to highlight marine natural products that exhibited unique structural features and/or significant bioactivity. The most common report of pharmacological significance was cytotoxicity, with antimicrobial and enzyme inhibition activities following, and mentions of other attributes, such as anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and anti-biofilm. This review describes newly isolated constituents from sponges between 2020 and 2023 alongside their relevant pharmacological activity. The isolation, structures, and biological properties of 218 unique secondary metabolites from various chemical families, including terpenoids, peptides, and alkaloids from marine sponges, are covered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, 2nd Edition)
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