Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.6
4.6
Journals
Molecules
Special Issues
Advances in Natural Products and Their Biological Activities—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

Advances in Natural Products and Their Biological Activities—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 349

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Irwin Rose Alencar Menezes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry—LFQM, Regional University of Cariri—URCA, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
Interests: natural product; bioactivity; inflammation; pain; antimicrobial activity; pharmacological activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri—URCA, Crato 63108-115, CE, Brazil
Interests: natural product; antimicrobial activity; pharmacological activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Roseli Barbosa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Pimenta Campus, Crato 63105-010, CE, Brazil
Interests: essential oil; natural products; biological activities
Prof. Dr. Francisco Assis Bezerra Da Cunha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Bioprospection of Semiarid and Alternative Methods—LABSEMA, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato 63105-000, Brazil
Interests: natural product; antimicrobial activity; pharmacological activity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the first edition of our Special Issue “Advances in Natural Products and Their Biological Activities”, we are pleased to announce the second edition, which continues to focus on the rich potential of natural products in drug discovery and their therapeutic applications. The first volume, which has seen substantial progress and contributions, can be accessed here: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/special_issues/natural_products_2022.

This second edition further explores the vast diversity of bioactive compounds derived from nature and their potential in addressing complex diseases, including cancer, antimicrobial resistance, inflammatory disorders, and neurological conditions. We invite original research articles and reviews that cover the latest advances in the isolation, characterization, and biological screening of natural products, with a particular focus on how these compounds interact with molecular targets to provide pharmacological benefits.

Additionally, we welcome research on the integration of modern technologies and advanced methodologies in the development of formulations using natural compounds, as well as studies that explore their bioactivity and mechanisms of action.

As with the first edition, our goal is to highlight high-quality contributions from research groups worldwide, offering cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights into the future of natural products in pharmacotherapy and biomedicine.

We look forward to your valuable contributions and to continuing the exploration of natural products in advancing human health.

Prof. Dr. Irwin Rose Alencar Menezes
Prof. Dr. Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
Prof. Dr. Roseli Barbosa
Prof. Dr. Francisco Assis Bezerra Da Cunha
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 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

  • phytochemical
  • natural product
  • phytotherapy
  • medicinal plants
  • biological activity
  • pharmaceutical formulations
  • biological activity
  • pharmacological or toxicology effects

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 (2 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

14 pages, 2130 KB  
Article
Anti-Atrophic Effects of Dichotomine B from Stellaria dichotoma During Starvation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
by Jae-Yong Kim, Uttapol Permpoon, Ju-hee Lee, Ji Hoon Kim, Hye Mi Kim, Je-Seung Jeon, Tae-gyu Nam and Chul Young Kim
Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3839; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183839 - 22 Sep 2025
Abstract
Muscle atrophy is defined as reductions in muscle size and function and represents a critical concern affecting elderly populations, immobilized patients, and individuals following specific dietary regimens, such as fasting and low-protein diets. This study investigated the protective effects of Stellaria dichotoma root [...] Read more.
Muscle atrophy is defined as reductions in muscle size and function and represents a critical concern affecting elderly populations, immobilized patients, and individuals following specific dietary regimens, such as fasting and low-protein diets. This study investigated the protective effects of Stellaria dichotoma root extract and its isolated bioactive compounds during muscle atrophy using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. First, S. dichotoma root extract prevented dexamethasone (DEX)-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes. Through systematic solvent partitioning and resin chromatography, five compounds (1–5) were successfully isolated from the n-butanol fraction. Dichotomine B (2) was identified as the most abundant and bioactive constituent. Treatment with dichotomine B significantly preserved the myotube diameter, enhanced the fusion index, and maintained the myosin heavy chain protein level while suppressing key atrophic biomarkers, including FoxO3a, MuRF-1, and Atrogin-1, in DEX-treated myotubes. Furthermore, dichotomine B (2) reduced proteolysis in serum-free cultured C2C12 myotubes and in mice subjected to 48 h of fasting, preserving muscle mass and strength. These findings suggest that S. dichotoma root extract and its principal compound, dichotomine B (2), have promising therapeutic potential and provide an opportunity to develop novel pharmacological interventions against muscle wasting through suppression of proteolysis pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Biological Activities—2nd Edition)

Review

Jump to: Research

26 pages, 1702 KB  
Review
Botany, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Biological Activities, Phytochemistry, and Technological Applications of Morinda citrifolia Plants
by José Adão Carvalho Nascimento Júnior, Anamaria Mendonça Santos, Ana Maria Santos Oliveira, Cláudio Carvalho Santana Júnior, Mairim Russo Serafini, Jullyana de Souza Siqueira Quintans, Laurent Picot, Irwin Rose Alencar de Menezes and Lucindo José Quintans-Júnior
Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3831; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183831 - 21 Sep 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Morinda citrifolia L., known as noni, is a tropical plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family and is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This review compiles botanical, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological information about the species, as well as its technological [...] Read more.
Morinda citrifolia L., known as noni, is a tropical plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family and is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This review compiles botanical, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological information about the species, as well as its technological applications. Studies indicate that various parts of the plant, such as the fruits, leaves, seeds, and roots, contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, iridoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, and hypocholesterolemic activities. Among these, antioxidant activity is particularly notable, with different extracts and isolated compounds demonstrating potent free radical scavenging capabilities. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential against resistant bacteria, healing effects observed in animal models, and immunomodulatory properties further support the traditional therapeutic use of noni. Moreover, the plant shows promise for applications in the formulation of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products. Although evidence of its beneficial effects is growing, further clinical studies and standardization of extracts are necessary to ensure its safe and effective use in medical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Biological Activities—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-2
Back to TopTop