Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.2
4.8
Journals
Nutrients
Special Issues
Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds
nutrients-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 8737

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Per Bendix Jeppesen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Palle-Juul-Jensens 165, DK-8250 Aarhus, Denmark
Interests: phytochemicals; health; welfare diseases; clinical research; in vivo studies; in vitro studies; plant-based bioactive compounds; nutraceutical
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the importance of functional dietary bioactives in fostering health and warding off chronic diseases. These bioactive compounds, naturally occurring in a diverse array of plant-based foods and beverages, have garnered considerable attention for their capacity to improve overall well-being and promote healthier lifestyles. This Special Issue endeavors to delve deeply into the realm of functional dietary bioactives, illuminating their health advantages and scrutinizing the evolving consumption patterns associated with these compounds. All types of studies in the research field are welcome, from in vitro to in vivo experiments, as well as human intervention studies.

Dr. Per Bendix Jeppesen
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

  • bioactive compounds
  • functional foods
  • new food trends
  • healthy foods
  • nutraceuticals

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.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

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

Published Papers (6 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

21 pages, 7346 KiB  
Article
1,8-Cineole Alleviates Hippocampal Oxidative Stress in CUMS Mice via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway
by Wenze Wu, Dequan Wang, Yuzhu Shi, Yichen Wang, Yongzi Wu, Xinyan Wu, Basit Ali Shah and Gang Ye
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061027 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of 1,8-cineole (1,8-CH), against hippocampal oxidative stress in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice model of depression, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The effects of CUMS exposure were assessed by measuring [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of 1,8-cineole (1,8-CH), against hippocampal oxidative stress in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice model of depression, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The effects of CUMS exposure were assessed by measuring oxidative stress markers, antioxidant activity, and neuronal damage in the hippocampus using histopathology, network pharmacology, Western blot analysis, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown experiments. Results: 1,8-CH significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice. CUMS exposure induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus, evidenced by elevated MDA levels, decreased antioxidant activity, and neuronal damage. DHE staining revealed ROS accumulation. Treatment with 1,8-CH alleviated oxidative stress by reducing MDA, restoring antioxidant activity, and lowering ROS levels, while improving neuronal structure. Network pharmacology identified the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway as a key mediator of 1,8-CH’s neuroprotection, which was supported by Western blot results, demonstrating PI3K/Akt activation and a potential enhancement of Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, in corticosterone-induced PC12 cells, the antioxidant effects of 1,8-CH were abolished by Nrf2 inhibition and siRNA knockdown, confirming Nrf2’s role. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 1,8-CH alleviates hippocampal oxidative stress in CUMS-induced depression via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway, highlighting its potential as a health supplement for managing depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7810 KiB  
Article
Camellia Tea Saponin Ameliorates 5–Fluorouracil-Induced Damage of HaCaT Cells by Regulating Ferroptosis and Inflammation
by Tanrada Likitsatian, Pimpisid Koonyosying, Narisara Paradee, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Haobo Ge, Charareh Pourzand and Somdet Srichairatanakool
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050764 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 728
Abstract
Background/Objective: Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation products (LPOs). A chemotherapeutic drug, 5–fluorouracil (5–FU), can induce epithelial mucositis and favor drug synergism with erastin in ferroptosis. Camellia tea saponin extract (TS) is known to exert antioxidative [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation products (LPOs). A chemotherapeutic drug, 5–fluorouracil (5–FU), can induce epithelial mucositis and favor drug synergism with erastin in ferroptosis. Camellia tea saponin extract (TS) is known to exert antioxidative properties. This study aims to delineate the protective role of TS in mitigating 5–FU-induced ferroptosis and inflammation in human keratinocytes. Methods: HaCaT cells were induced by 5–FU and erastin, treated with different TS doses, and their viability was then determined. Levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), LPOs, labile iron pool (LIP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX–4) activity, as well as IL–6, IL–1β, and TNF–α levels, and their wound healing properties were assessed. Results: TS per se (at up to 25 µg/mL) was not toxic to HaCaT cells but was unable to restore the viability of 5–FU-induced cells up to the baseline levels. The compound significantly diminished increases in cellular ROS, LPOs, and LIP, while restoring GSH content and GPX–4 activity. Additionally, it suppressed the cytokine production of 5–FU-induced cells in a concentration–dependent manner. Moreover, TS exerted wound-healing effects against skin injuries and 5–FU damage significantly and dose dependently. Conclusions: The insights of this work have identified biochemical mechanisms using tea saponin extract to protect against 5–FU-induced keratinocyte ferroptosis and inflammation. This study highlights the promising adjunctive potential of tea saponin in the mitigation and management of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 4642 KiB  
Article
Caralluma fimbriata Extract Improves Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
by Venkata Bala Sai Chaitanya Thunuguntla, Laura Kate Gadanec, Catherine McGrath, Joanne Louise Griggs, Puspha Sinnayah, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Anthony Zulli and Michael L. Mathai
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4296; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244296 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1631
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by impairing normal vascular function. Natural products are gaining momentum in the clinical setting due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Caralluma fimbriata extract (CFE) has been shown to control appetite [...] Read more.
Background: Obesity is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by impairing normal vascular function. Natural products are gaining momentum in the clinical setting due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Caralluma fimbriata extract (CFE) has been shown to control appetite and promote weight loss; however, its effect on vascular function remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effect that CFE had on weight loss and vascular function in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity, comparing this effect to that of lorcaserin (LOR) (an anti-obesity pharmaceutical) treatment. Methods: C57BL/6J male mice (n = 80) were fed a 16-week HFD to induce obesity prior to being treated with CFE and LOR as standalone treatments or in conjunction. Body composition data, such as weight gain and fat mass content were measured, isometric tension analyses were performed on isolated abdominal aortic rings to determine relaxation responses to acetylcholine, and immunohistochemistry studies were utilized to determine the expression profiles on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cell stress markers (nitrotyrosine (NT) and 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)) in the endothelial, medial and adventitial layers of aortic rings. Results: The results demonstrated that CFE and CFE + LOR treatments significantly reduced weight gain (17%; 24%) and fat mass deposition (14%; 16%). A HFD markedly reduced acetylcholine-mediated relaxation (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001) and eNOS expression (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01) and significantly increased NT (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001) and GRP78 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Obese mice treated with CFE exhibited significantly improved ACh-induced relaxation responses, increased eNOS (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and reduced NT (p < 0.01) and GRP78 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) expression. Conclusions: Thus, CFE alone or in combination with LOR could serve as an alternative strategy for preventing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3036 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of a Freeze-Dried Kale Bar on Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
by Per Bendix Jeppesen, Amanda Dorner, Yuan Yue, Nikolaj Poulsen, Sofie Korsgaard Andersen, Fie Breenfeldt Aalykke and Max Norman Tandrup Lambert
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213641 - 26 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2451
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common global diseases, with an ever-growing need for prevention and treatment solutions. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) offers a good source of fiber, minerals, bioavailable calcium, unsaturated fatty acids, prebiotic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common global diseases, with an ever-growing need for prevention and treatment solutions. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) offers a good source of fiber, minerals, bioavailable calcium, unsaturated fatty acids, prebiotic carbohydrates, vitamins, health-promoting secondary plant metabolites, as well as higher amounts of proteins and essential amino acids compared to other vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate whether daily intake of freeze-dried kale powder can provide health benefits for T2D patients vs. placebo. Methods: This study was designed as a 12-week, blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty T2D patients were randomly assigned to either a placebo bar (control) or a kale bar (intervention). Participants in the intervention group were instructed to consume three bars/day, each containing 26.25 g of freeze-dried kale (corresponding to approx. 341 g fresh kale/day). At baseline and 12 weeks, all participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 24 h blood pressure measurements, DEXA scans, and fasted blood samples were taken. Results: A significant reduction in HbA1c, insulin resistance, body weight, and calorie intake was observed in the intervention group compared to control. Positive trends were detected in fasted blood glucose and LDL-cholesterol for those in the kale intervention group. No significant differences were found in total body fat mass and area under the curve glucose 240 min OGTT. Conclusions: Given the positive effects of high daily kale intake observed in this study, further research with a larger sample size is needed to better understand the health benefits of kale bars. This could potentially lead to new dietary recommendations for patients with T2D. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 1207 KiB  
Review
The Potential Role of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Ewa Baranowska-Wójcik, Dorota Gajowniczek-Ałasa, Bożena Pawlikowska-Pawlęga and Dominik Szwajgier
Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040653 - 12 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by memory loss and cognitive disorders. The disease has been related to the presence of so-called senile plaques forming due to the buildup of amyloid β in the hippocampus. The AD therapies developed to date [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by memory loss and cognitive disorders. The disease has been related to the presence of so-called senile plaques forming due to the buildup of amyloid β in the hippocampus. The AD therapies developed to date continue to prove insufficient, while long-term exposure to synthetic drugs tends to lead to serious side effects, which is why potential herbal treatments are generally preferable to conventional drug regimens and, as such, have been under considerable research scrutiny in recent years. There are a number of herbs, e.g., lavender Ginkgo biloba, that are already commonly employed in alleviating the symptoms of certain neurological disorders. In light of the above, the aim of the following paper is to discuss the importance of medicinal herbs, their neuroprotective properties, and their mechanisms of activity. The article presents a review of the identified therapeutic properties of phytomedicines that exhibit strong anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2166 KiB  
Review
The Potential Role of Dietary Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Leukemia
by Fatemeh Fakhar, Kiana Mohammadian, Shayan Keramat and Agata Stanek
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4100; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234100 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1845
Abstract
Acute leukemia is a prevalent cancer worldwide and is classified into two distinct forms. Currently, various therapies have been developed for this disease; however, the issues of recurrence, resistance to treatment, and adverse effects require the exploration of novel treatments. Polyphenols, classified into [...] Read more.
Acute leukemia is a prevalent cancer worldwide and is classified into two distinct forms. Currently, various therapies have been developed for this disease; however, the issues of recurrence, resistance to treatment, and adverse effects require the exploration of novel treatments. Polyphenols, classified into four categories, are secondary metabolites originating from plants that demonstrate diverse metabolic features such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Consequently, they have attracted attention for therapeutic and preventive measures. Research indicates that dietary polyphenols can mitigate the disease burden of acute leukemias by influencing the molecular pathways associated with the disease and its inflammatory processes. Furthermore, owing to their antioxidant properties, they can reduce the amounts of reactive oxygen species generated from the disrupted molecular pathways in these malignancies. The therapeutic actions of polyphenols can facilitate disease recovery by interrupting the cell cycle and causing apoptosis by activating pro-apoptotic genes. In conclusion, the intake of dietary polyphenols, due to their convenience and availability, coupled with the positive outcomes associated with their use in conjunction with conventional therapies, may function as an efficient therapeutic and preventive measure for acute leukemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Health Through Plant-Based Dietary Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop