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Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products in Human Health and Diseases: Basic, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 December 2025) | Viewed by 21284

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Felicite Noubissi-Kamdem

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, College of Science Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, 1400 JR Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Interests: molecular mechanisms of cancer development and metastasis; role of IGF2BP1 in the pathology of colorectal cancer and basal cell carcinoma; cancer cell fusion and breast tumor heterogeneity and metastasis; mRNA turnover and cancer development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anthony L. Walker

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
School of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
Interests: pharmacy practice; laboratory pedagogy and teaching styles; pharmaceutical compounding; natural products and formulation; compounding novel dosage forms for drug delivery; pharmacy practice clinical; educational and natural product research; health screening in under-privileged communities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jean Christopher Chamcheu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, College of Sciences and Engineering, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, RM# 205 A/C, JW Fisher Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70813, USA
2. Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, 408 Skip Bertman Drive, Rm# 3102, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Interests: skin health and diseases; carcinogenesis; inflammation; dermatology; psoriasis; atopic dermatitis; bioactive natural products; antioxidants; polyphenols; flavonoids; tissue engineering; signaling pathways; pharmacology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Homeostasis of the human body is guaranteed throughout life and across all ages via nature’s blessed natural dietary products or in their modified format as synthetic scaffold products that aid in boosting immunity, maintaining health, treating ailments or preventing disease occurrences or recurrences, and thus ensuring normal wellbeing. Biologically active natural and plant-derived, including fruits and vegetables, product preparations and synthetic scaffold products are garnering interest as valid human health-promoting, disease prevention, and management entities. Several of these bio-actives are antioxidants, polyphenols and other major medicinal entities that regulate vital physiological processes, including gene expression, protein synthesis, metabolism, differentiation and growth via mechanisms that are not well understood. Through epidemiological and intervention studies, several of these bioactives have been claimed and/or proven to offer protection against aging and health, oxidative stress, infection and several chronic inflammatory diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, psoriasis, diabetes, diabetic ulcers, chronic wounds, various cancers, obesity and several associated risk factors. Moreover, cutting-edge research utilizing physiologically attainable doses in appropriate in vitro and preclinical model systems have provided some mechanistic insights on their benefits. Additionally, validating the health beneficial effects of nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals and the detailed understanding of their intake, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dose-response relationship and efficacy are thought-provoking, having complex relations, and such studies are warranted.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to update knowledge vis-à-vis the role of bioactive natural products from plants and dietary sources and synthetic scaffold compounds on human health and diseases such as the skin, other epithelial tissues like the breast, and other organ system diseases to shed light on the global relevance of scientific research findings on their usages. This may range from human health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, to reduction of adverse side effects, misuse and purposeless spending.

To help bridge the current knowledge gap, this Special Issue of Nutrients invites submission of manuscripts describing original research, communication, legislative documentations or quality reviews of scientific literature in skin and other organs’ health promotion and disease prevention and treatment. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, infection, oxidative stress, chronic inflammatory diseases including skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetic wounds and various kind of cancers. Submissions addressing a broad range of topics, including studies covering bioavailability, understanding physiological functional processes, molecular targets, pathways and mechanisms of action from in vitro, preclinical animal models, human population and dietary intervention studies to impacts on human health, disease prevention and management, and advice on intake and usage, and their outcomes are welcome.

We look forward to your exciting submissions.

Dr. Felicite Noubissi-Kamdem
Dr. Anthony L. Walker
Dr. Jean Christopher Chamcheu
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
  • antioxidants and phenolic compounds
  • breast cancer
  • chronic human diseases
  • bioavailability and bioactivity
  • skin beauty, aging and disease
  • infection, immunity and inflammation
  • cancer
  • natural dietary bioactives and food supplement
  • nutraceuticals and synthetic bioactive products
  • natural dietary product as alternative medicine
  • natural/synthetic bioactive agents for chemoprevention
  • human intervention trials
  • natural products, preclinical and clinical trials
  • natural and synthetic antimicrobials and immune-modulatory agents
  • phytonutrients for human health and disease

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1066 KB  
Article
Characterization of Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Relevance of Mushroom Hericium Biomass Supplement to Neurocognitive Behavior
by Plamen Dimitrov, Alexandra Petrova, Victoria Bell and Tito Fernandes
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020248 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 2078
Abstract
Background: The interplay between neuronutrition, physical activity, and mental health for enhancing brain resilience to stress and overall human health is widely recognized. The use of brain mapping via quantitative-EEG (qEEG) comparative analysis enables researchers to identify deviations or abnormalities and track the [...] Read more.
Background: The interplay between neuronutrition, physical activity, and mental health for enhancing brain resilience to stress and overall human health is widely recognized. The use of brain mapping via quantitative-EEG (qEEG) comparative analysis enables researchers to identify deviations or abnormalities and track the changes in neurological patterns when a targeted drug or specific nutrition is administered over time. High-functioning mild-to-borderline intellectual disorders (MBID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) constitute leading global public health challenges due to their high prevalence, chronicity, and profound cognitive and functional impact. Objective: The objectives of the present study were twofold: first, to characterize an extremely vulnerable group of children with functioning autism symptoms, disclosing their overall pattern of cognitive abilities and areas of difficulty, and second, to investigate the relevance of the effects of a mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) biomass dietary supplement on improvement on neurocognitive behavior. Methods: This study used qEEG to compare raw data with a normative database to track the changes in neurological brain patterns in 147 children with high-functioning autistic attributes when mushroom H. erinaceus biomass supplement was consumed over 6 and 12 months. Conclusions: H. erinaceus biomass in children with pervasive developmental disorders significantly improved the maturation of the CNS after 6 to 12 months of oral use, decreased the dominant slow-wave activity, and converted slow-wave activity to optimal beta1 frequency. Therefore, despite the lack of randomization, blinding, and risk of bias, due to a limited number of observations, it may be concluded that the H. erinaceus biomass may generate a complex effect on the deficits of the autism spectrum when applied to high-functioning MBID children, representing a safe and effective adjunctive strategy for supporting neurodevelopment in children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products in Human Health and Diseases: Basic, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 4641 KB  
Article
Salmon Nasal Cartilage Proteoglycan Ameliorate Joint Pain and Cartilage Degradation by Regulating Catabolic and Anabolic Homeostasis in MIA-Induced Osteoarthritis
by Min Yu, So Eun Jo, Young Bae Son, Ye Jin Kim, Youngsik Seo, Sang Bae Han, Hyun Jin Kim, Seon Gil Do, Hanjoong Jo and Dong Ju Son
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010176 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1729
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pervasive chronic joint disease characterized by the triad of persistent articular cartilage degeneration, debilitating synovial inflammation, and sustained chronic pain. Although salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan (SPG) is recognized for supporting joint health, the precise molecular mechanism underlying its [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pervasive chronic joint disease characterized by the triad of persistent articular cartilage degeneration, debilitating synovial inflammation, and sustained chronic pain. Although salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan (SPG) is recognized for supporting joint health, the precise molecular mechanism underlying its effects during OA progression remains to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of SPG using a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced mouse model. Methods: A total of 180 male C57BL/6J mice (six-week-old) were utilized, organized into three independent cohorts to analyze distinct analytical endpoints: (1) pain assessment, histology, and immunohistochemistry; (2) mRNA expression analysis for early-stage OA (Day 3); and (3) mRNA expression analysis for the late-stage OA (Day 28). All subjects received daily oral treatment via gavage, commencing 5 days prior to OA induction and continuing until the designated experimental termination points (either Day 3 or Day 28). Each cohort comprised five experimental groups (n = 10–12 per group): a saline-injected Sham group, an MIA-induced Control group, a positive comparator receiving celecoxib (CLX, 20 mg/kg/day), and two groups administered SPG at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day. Results: Our findings demonstrated that SPG, particularly at the 100 mg/kg dose, significantly mitigated joint pain symptoms, performing comparably to CLX. Histopathological assessments confirmed that SPG effectively preserved the structural integrity of the cartilage matrix and substantially reduced pathological damage, as evidenced by lower Mankin scores. Mechanistically, SPG treatment led to a marked downregulation of degradative enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4), while concurrently normalizing the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Furthermore, SPG prevented the aberrant, over-compensatory expression of anabolic markers such as SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX-9), type II collagen alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), and aggrecan (ACAN) typically observed in the disease’s later stages. While SPG demonstrated a limited impact on broadly pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles, it specifically and significantly reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression during the chronic phase. Conclusions: These results suggest that SPG serves as a promising natural agent that maintains articular homeostasis by balancing matrix metabolic pathways, positioning it as a scientifically validated functional food candidate for the management of joint health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products in Human Health and Diseases: Basic, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 4023 KB  
Article
The Effects of a Novel Astragalus-Based Extract (Keyfobell Powder (KFB)) on Longitudinal Bone Growth via IGF-1 Upregulation: A Potential Growth Hormone Alternative
by Myong Jin Lee, Daesik Jeong, Ji Hwan Lee, Jaeha Kang, Jihye Choi, Jaeok Seo, Hong Il Kim, Jisoo Seo, Kiseong Ko, Dong Hyuk Nam, Hye Lim Lee and Ki Sung Kang
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030416 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 8284
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a novel Astragalus extract (Keyfobell powder [KFB]) composed of Astragalus membranaceus, red ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), and Cervi Parvum Cornu as a potential growth hormone (GH) alternative. The primary focus was placed [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a novel Astragalus extract (Keyfobell powder [KFB]) composed of Astragalus membranaceus, red ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), and Cervi Parvum Cornu as a potential growth hormone (GH) alternative. The primary focus was placed on its impact on longitudinal bone growth through the upregulation of circulatory insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Methods: We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using a hypothalamic cell line and Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to determine growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and ghrelin mRNA expressions in GT1-7 cells. The treatment groups were administered KFB at various dosages, and the positive controls received recombinant human GH. Body weight, bone length, and density were assessed, along with serum levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGF-1. Results: KFB and somatropin exhibited no cytotoxic effect in GT1-7 cells and increased GHRH and ghrelin mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. KFB administration resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in body weight and bone growth (femur and tibia). Changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were comparable to those observed in the GH-treated group. Based on network pharmacological analysis, multiple compounds in KFB ((20S)-20-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine, caproic acid, daidzein, furfuryl alcohol, lauric acid, octanal, and salicylic acid) may synergistically regulate the PI3K-Akt, Ras, and Rap1 signaling pathways linked to growth control and cartilage formation, leading to a possible increase in height. Conclusions: Our results suggest that KFB can function as a GH-mimetic agent that promotes bone growth through IGF-1 upregulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products in Human Health and Diseases: Basic, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 2031 KB  
Article
Development of a Population Pharmacokinetic Model Characterizing the Tissue Distribution of Resveratrol After Administration by Different Routes and Doses in Rats
by Cássia Cerqueira, Valdeene Santos, Jackeline Araújo, Laiz Pereira, Fabiana Batista, Denis Soares, Francine Azeredo and Ederlan Ferreira
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010181 - 3 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4021
Abstract
Background: Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol exerts several pharmacological effects. However, the pharmacokinetic parameters are not completely established. Objectives: This study describes the plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of resveratrol after administration by different routes and doses in rats. Methods: A reliable, simple, [...] Read more.
Background: Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol exerts several pharmacological effects. However, the pharmacokinetic parameters are not completely established. Objectives: This study describes the plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of resveratrol after administration by different routes and doses in rats. Methods: A reliable, simple, and sensitive HPLC method using UV detection for the quantification of resveratrol in rat plasma and tissues was developed and validated. In addition, a pharmacokinetic analysis using non-compartmental and population modeling was performed. Results: The pharmacokinetic parameters of resveratrol after the administration of 5 mg/kg via i.v. bolus calculated by non-compartmental analysis were a constant of elimination (ke) of 0.09 h−1 ± 0.04, a half-life (t1/2) of 9.5 h ± 3.7, an apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of 5.8 L/kg ± 4.7, a clearance (Cl) of 0.39 L/h/Kg ± 0.26, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 6076 ng/h/mL ± 2959. The results obtained after the administration of 100 mg/kg p.o. were an elimination constant (ke) of 0.12 ± 0.07 h−1, a half-life (t1/2) of 7.9 ± 4.2 h, the apparent volume distribution (Vd) of 13.3 ± 3.3 L/kg, a clearance (Cl) of 1.76 ± 0.49 L/h/Kg ± 0.26, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 6519 ± 1592 ng/h/mL. For the tissue distribution analysis, 10 mg/kg of resveratrol was intravenously administered to rats and the molecule was quantified in the liver, lung, kidney, heart, stomach, spleen, adipose tissue, and brain of the animals. Conclusions: The population pharmacokinetic modeling showed that resveratrol has a two-compartment model in both routes of administration and has a higher volume of distribution when it is given orally. In addition, resveratrol showed a high brain concentration after iv administration, which indicates that this molecule is capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier of animals, a crucial capacity for its neuroprotective activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products in Human Health and Diseases: Basic, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 745 KB  
Article
Increasing Natural Killer Cell Activity of Mineral Nanomaterial ALP1018 in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial
by Soon-Ae Kim, Seyl Kim, Hyungyung Chai, Junlae Cho and Yu-Jin Paek
Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060850 - 15 Mar 2024
Viewed by 4011
Abstract
This randomized, double-blind, placebo comparative clinical trial aimed to determine the immune-enhancing effects and safety of a nanomaterial with iron and zinc (ALP1018) in healthy adults. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study (n = 80) and randomly [...] Read more.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo comparative clinical trial aimed to determine the immune-enhancing effects and safety of a nanomaterial with iron and zinc (ALP1018) in healthy adults. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study (n = 80) and randomly assigned to either the test group (n = 40), which was given Alp1018 in capsule form, or the placebo group (n = 40), which was given crystal cellulose capsules of identical appearance, weight, and flavor for 8 weeks. Compared to baseline, natural killer (NK) cell activity (%) increased in the test group after 8 weeks, although there were no changes in the placebo group. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected participants, significantly increased NK cell activity was observed in the test group at 4 (p < 0.05) and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in cytokine levels between the two groups. ALP1018 supplementation appeared to enhance immune function by improving NK cell activity without adverse effects in healthy adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products in Human Health and Diseases: Basic, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—2nd Edition)
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