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Nutrients
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Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health
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Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2024) | Viewed by 6111

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jose M. Soriano del Castillo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Food & Health Laboratory, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
2. Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
Interests: nutrition; medicinal plants; natural products; human health; bioactive compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In an era where the quest for sustainable and holistic healthcare solutions is more pressing than ever, the exploration of medicinal plants and natural products presents a frontier replete with untapped potential and ancient wisdom. This Special Issue, titled "Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health", aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific validation, highlighting the significant role that natural remedies play in health and wellness.

We invite researchers, scholars, and practitioners to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies that illuminate the efficacy, mechanisms, and safety profiles of medicinal plants and natural products. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, ethnobotany, and clinical applications of herbal medicines.

This Special Issue seeks to compile a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge research and insights on how natural products can be integrated into modern medicinal practices to combat a wide range of diseases and health conditions. Contributions may also explore the challenges and opportunities in harnessing the power of medicinal plants, including issues related to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the standardization and regulation of herbal medicines.

By fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue and presenting a diverse array of studies, this Special Issue aims to enhance our understanding of the vital role that medicinal plants and natural products can play in advancing human health, paving the way for innovative therapies and sustainable health solutions.

Prof. Dr. Jose M. Soriano del Castillo
Guest Editor

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. Nutrients 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 2900 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

  • phytotherapy
  • ethnopharmacology
  • natural product chemistry
  • medicinal plant conservation
  • integrative medicine

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3747 KiB  
Article
Polyphenolic Hispolon Derived from Medicinal Mushrooms of the Inonotus and Phellinus Genera Promotes Wound Healing in Hyperglycemia-Induced Impairments
by Yi-Shan Liu, Mei-Chou Lai, Yu-Cheng Tzeng and I-Min Liu
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020266 - 13 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the wound-healing potential of hispolon, a polyphenolic pigment derived from medicinal mushrooms, under diabetic conditions using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: In the in vitro assays, L929 fibroblast cells exposed to high glucose (33 [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigated the wound-healing potential of hispolon, a polyphenolic pigment derived from medicinal mushrooms, under diabetic conditions using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: In the in vitro assays, L929 fibroblast cells exposed to high glucose (33 mmol/L) were treated with hispolon at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10 μmol/L. In the in vivo assays, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with excision wounds received daily topical applications of 0.2 g of 5% (w/w) hispolon ointment. Results: Hispolon improved cell viability; suppressed oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA damage; and restored the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. The scratch assay demonstrated that hispolon at 10 μmol/L enhanced fibroblast migration impaired by high-glucose conditions. Treatment with 5% (w/w) hispolon ointment accelerated wound contraction, reduced the epithelialization time, and enhanced tissue regeneration with an efficacy comparable to that of Fespixon® cream, as shown by histological findings of increased fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and capillary growth. Hispolon ointment also modulated macrophage polarization in diabetic wounds by reducing M1 markers and enhancing M2 markers. In a diabetic rat dead-space-wound model, 5% (w/w) hispolon ointment reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased those of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, and stimulated Type I and III collagen synthesis, effectively promoting wound healing. In incisional wounds, hispolon ointment improved the wound-breaking strength, showing results comparable to that of Fespixon® cream. Safety assessments confirmed that hispolon ointment showed no acute dermal toxicity. These findings underscore hispolon’s potential as a promising candidate for diabetic wound management by mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing tissue regeneration, and accelerating wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health)
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23 pages, 10531 KiB  
Article
Investigation into the Potential Mechanism of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Against Ischemic Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology
by Tingyu Wen, Guang Xin, Qilong Zhou, Tao Wang, Xiuxian Yu, Yanceng Li, Shiyi Li, Ying Zhang, Kun Zhang, Ting Liu, Beiwei Zhu and Wen Huang
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4409; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244409 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1179
Abstract
Background: Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR), an edible and medicinal Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is extensively employed in therapeutic interventions of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the curative effect of RPR on ischemic stroke remains ambiguous. This work integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and [...] Read more.
Background: Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR), an edible and medicinal Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is extensively employed in therapeutic interventions of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the curative effect of RPR on ischemic stroke remains ambiguous. This work integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to explore the mechanisms of RPR in treating ischemic stroke. Methods: In this study, we preliminarily elucidated the therapeutic effect and mechanism of RPR on ischemic stroke through network pharmacology, molecular docking analysis, and experimental verification. Results: The results indicated that RPR improved the neurological deficit scores, decreased the size of infarcts, and reduced brain edema symptoms in the tMCAO mice model. Furthermore, through network pharmacology and molecular docking, four core targets (MAPK3, TNF-α, MAPK14, and JNK) closely related to RPR’s treatment of ischemic stroke were identified, exhibiting strong affinity with two key active components of RPR: albiflorin (AF) and β-sitosterol (BSS). The Western blot showed the potential mechanism of RPR treatment for ischemic stroke by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, RPR and its main active ingredients exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on platelets. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that RPR alleviates ischemic injury by activating the MAPK signaling pathway, and its protective effect may partly stem from inhibiting platelet activation. This work may provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of RPR as a natural edible material to prevent ischemic stroke and anti-platelet therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health)
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11 pages, 1235 KiB  
Article
Impact of Adlay-Based Formula on Pain and Discomfort in Women with Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Yi-Fen Chiang, Ko-Chieh Huang, Mohamed Ali and Shih-Min Hsia
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4026; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234026 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1266
Abstract
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts women’s daily activities and quality of life, occurs without underlying pelvic pathological changes. Conventional treatments, such as warm water therapy, provide temporary relief; however, more effective interventions are needed. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts women’s daily activities and quality of life, occurs without underlying pelvic pathological changes. Conventional treatments, such as warm water therapy, provide temporary relief; however, more effective interventions are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an Adlay-based formula in reducing dysmenorrhea symptoms through randomized controlled trials. Methods: A total of 69 participants were randomly assigned to either the Adlay-based formula group (n = 35) or the placebo group (n = 34). Baseline characteristics, including age, age of menarche, dysmenorrhea onset, menstrual duration, BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate, were comparable between groups. The primary outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for dysmenorrhea, pain assessment scales, the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers (PGE2, PGF2α, IL-6, Hs-CRP). Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in VAS scores at both the first treatment and at the end of the study compared to baseline and the placebo group. Pain assessments indicated improvements in persistent pain, dull pain, exhaustion, nausea/vomiting, lower abdominal swelling, back pain, diarrhea, and cold sweats. Additionally, biomarker analysis revealed significant reductions in PGE2, PGF2α, and Hs-CRP levels in the intervention group, with no significant change in IL-6 levels. Conclusions: The Adlay-based formula effectively alleviated dysmenorrhea symptoms, improved pain and discomfort, and reduced inflammatory biomarkers compared to placebo. These findings suggested that the formula could serve as a promising alternative for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health)
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Review

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22 pages, 3477 KiB  
Review
The Acacia (Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H. Hurter & Mabb.): Traditional Uses and Recent Advances on Its Pharmacological Attributes and Potential Activities
by Lamiaa O. Hafez, Yeray Brito-Casillas, Noha Abdelmageed, Isabel M. Alemán-Cabrera, Samy A.F. Morad, Mahmoud H. Abdel-Raheem and Ana M. Wägner
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4278; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244278 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1956
Abstract
For thousands of years, Vachellia nilotica has been widely used as an herbal medicine to treat some diseases and symptoms, including respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital ailments. The present study was adapted to document and assemble existing information about V. nilotica and its evidence-based [...] Read more.
For thousands of years, Vachellia nilotica has been widely used as an herbal medicine to treat some diseases and symptoms, including respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital ailments. The present study was adapted to document and assemble existing information about V. nilotica and its evidence-based ethnopharmacological activities, with brief reviews on the description, geographical distribution, ecology, medical uses and phytochemistry. A literature review and information up to 2024 was performed in various scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The keywords were “Acacia nilotica”, “Botany”, “ecology”, “Traditional uses”, “Phytochemistry”, “Polyphenols”, “Molecular docking”, “Ethnopharmacological activities” and “toxicity”, among others. V. nilotica has a wide range of uses, with low toxicity, reported in different countries. It can be infused into oils or tea or incorporated into paste, poultice and biscuits, used as an emollient, antidiarrheal, astringent and as an antidote for bite poisons. Glucose and lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anthelmintic activities are the most prominent. Over 150 chemical components have been identified from V. nilotica that could be associated with its potential actions. Quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, naringenin, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, lupeol and niloticane are its main active constituents. From the research data, and despite the fact that human clinical trials and detailed methodological studies are scarce, V. nilotica has shown wide-ranging activities, though the most robust evidence is related to the treatment of microbial infections, diarrhea, wound and ulcer healing and for topical application. More pharmacological and toxicological studies are required to further elucidate the mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and optimal dosages for these treatments. Additionally, more clinical trials are needed to validate these traditional uses in human populations and to ensure the safety and efficacy of V. nilotica for these applications. This article offers an overview of therapeutic applications by utilizing traditional uses and recent findings on phytochemical studies, and clinical and pharmacological research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Natural Products for Human Health)
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