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Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Products

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 November 2025 | Viewed by 10395

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Adam Conte-Junior

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Guest Editor

Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interests: food control; antimicrobial resistance genes; genomic; microbiome; animal production

Dr. Alex Graça Contato

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Guest Editor

Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interests: bioprocess optimization; microbial engineering; antioxidant properties; natural products; antimicrobials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products from diverse sources such as plants, algae, fungi, and marine organisms have demonstrated significant potential in modulating inflammation, counteracting oxidative stress, and combating microbial infections. These bioactive compounds offer promising alternatives to synthetic drugs, particularly in addressing chronic inflammatory diseases, oxidative stress-related conditions, and the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance. This Special Issue aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of natural products, focusing on their therapeutic applications. By integrating research from fields such as natural product chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and nutrition, this edition seeks to deepen our understanding of how these compounds can be leveraged to promote health. We welcome contributions exploring the bioactive potential of natural compounds from sources such as medicinal plants, seaweeds, mushrooms, and other microorganisms.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

(1) The mechanisms of action underlying the modulation of inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and microbial activity by natural products;

(2) The role of natural compounds in preventing or alleviating diseases related to chronic inflammation, oxidative damage, and microbial infections;

(3) The investigation of natural products as alternatives or adjuncts to conventional therapies for combating resistant pathogens and managing inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
Dr. Alex Graça Contato
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. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

oxidative stress
microbial resistance
inflammation modulation
natural antimicrobials
bioavailability

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Research

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25 pages, 2869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthocyanin-Rich Fraction from Kum Akha Black Rice Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome-Driven Lung Inflammation In Vitro and In Vivo

by Sonthaya Umsumarng, Warathit Semmarath, Punnida Arjsri, Kamonwan Srisawad, Intranee Intanil, Sansanee Jamjod, Chanakan Prom-u-thai and Pornngarm Dejkriengkraikul

Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071186 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 435

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation can result from exposure to bacterial particles, leading to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These effects may cause irreversible respiratory damage, contributing to persistent lung injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as observed in long COVID or bacterial pneumonia in older adults’ patients. Given its profound impact, the NLRP3 inflammasome has emerged as a key therapeutic target for mitigating aberrant inflammatory responses. Methods: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Kum Akha black rice, a functional food, on the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway using lipopolysaccharide-induced A549 lung epithelial cells and a C57BL/6NJcl mouse model. The anthocyanin-rich fraction from Kum Akha black rice germ and bran extract (KA1-P1) was obtained using a solvent-partitioned extraction technique. Results: KA1-P1 exhibited a high anthocyanin content (74.63 ± 1.66 mg/g extract) as determined by the pH differential method. The HPLC analysis revealed cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G: 45.58 ± 0.48 mg/g extract) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (P3G: 6.92 ± 0.29 mg/g extract) as its anthocyanin’s active compounds. Additionally, KA1-P1 demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays. KA1-P1 (12.5–100 μg/mL) possessed inhibitory effects on LPS + ATP-induced A549 lung cells inflammation through the significant suppressions of NLRP3, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 mRNA levels and the inhibition of cytokine secretions in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Mechanistic analysis revealed that KA1-P1 downregulated key proteins in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway (NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and cleaved-caspase-1). Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrated that KA1-P1 significantly diminished LPS-induced lower respiratory inflammation in C57BL/6NJcl mice, as evidenced by the reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18) and diminished histopathological inflammatory lung lesions. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of KA1-P1 may support its application as a functional supplement or promote the consumption of pigmented rice among the elderly to mitigate chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Products)

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13 pages, 3545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract Fermented with a Plant-Derived Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (Lactobacillus paracasei) IJH-SONE68 Improves the Wheat Gliadin-Induced Food Allergic Reaction in Mice

by Qingmiao Ma, Masafumi Noda, Narandalai Danshiitsoodol and Masanori Sugiyama

Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071151 - 26 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Medicinal herbs produce valuable substances with therapeutic potential. The chemical structures of those substances are often converted by gut microbiota. Our previous studies showed that several kinds of bioactive molecules are newly generated in fermented medicinal herbal extract with plant-derived lactic acid bacteria (LABs). Methods: The fermented extract of Atractylodes Japonica Rhizoma (AJR), which is designated as “Byakujutsu” in Japan, with a plant-derived LAB strain IJH-SONE68 was prepared and whether the fermented extract could help reduce symptoms of food allergies, especially wheat intolerance, was confirmed using animal model. Results: It has been found that the fermented extract significantly ameliorates the anaphylaxis score (from 3.0 to 1.0, p = 0.003) of gliadin-induced allergic model mice (specific-pathogen-free, BALB/cJ) accompanied with the modulation of serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) (from 778 to 518 ng/mL, p = 0.006), interferon (IFN)-γ (from 6.6 to 9.5 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and interleukin (IL)-4 (from 32.0 to 9.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001) levels. Conclusions: The fermented AJR extract may modulate the Th1/Th2 cell balance to alleviate the symptoms of gliadin-induced anaphylaxis in mice. The present study supports the view that the fermentation of medicinal herbal extract prepared using LABs may be a useful procedure for producing therapeutic potential compounds to maintain health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Products)

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16 pages, 3109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Houttuynia cordata Juice Exerts Cardioprotective Effects by Alleviating Cardiac Inflammation and Apoptosis in Rats with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis

by Natticha Sumneang, Anongporn Kobroob, Sukanya Phungphong, Worakan Boonhoh, Chuchard Punsawad and Napapan Kangwan

Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030501 - 29 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction is a major problem that often leads to severe complications and a poor prognosis. Despite the growing awareness of its impact, effective treatment options for sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction remain limited. To date, fermented products of Houttuynia cordata (HC), known for its rich bioactive properties, have shown potential in modulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. However, treatment with fermented HC juice (FHJ) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis in rats has not been investigated. Methods: Rats were pretreated with FHJ at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for 2 weeks. After that, the rats were injected with a single dose of LPS (10 mg/kg), and 12 h after injection, they developed sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Then, cardiac function, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and cardiac injury markers were determined. Results: Pretreatment with FHJ at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg prevented LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats by attenuating cardiac inflammation (IL-1β, TLR-4, and NF-κB levels), oxidative stress (MDA levels), and apoptosis (cleaved-caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl-2 expression) and reducing markers of cardiac injury (LDH and CK-MB levels). Conclusions: These results suggest that FHJ could be a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced heart disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Products)

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28 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential—A Narrative Review

by Alex Graça Contato and Carlos Adam Conte-Junior

Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081307 - 9 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion’s mane mushroom, has gained increasing scientific interest due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds and diverse health-promoting properties. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and therapeutic potential of H. erinaceus, with a particular focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. A structured literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies published in the last two decades focusing on H. erinaceus’ bioactive compounds were included. The chemical composition of H. erinaceus includes polysaccharides, terpenoids (hericenones and erinacines), and phenolic compounds, which exhibit potent antioxidant effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, H. erinaceus shows promising antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, with potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The mushroom’s capacity to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis has highlighted its potential in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Advances in biotechnological methods, including optimized cultivation techniques and novel extraction methods, may further enhance the bioavailability and pharmacological effects of H. erinaceus. Despite promising findings, clinical validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials, the standardization of extraction methods, and the elucidation of pharmacokinetics to facilitate its integration into evidence-based medicine. The potential of H. erinaceus as a functional food, nutraceutical, and adjunct therapeutic agent highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Products)

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19 pages, 3888 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nrf2 Activation as a Therapeutic Target for Flavonoids in Aging-Related Osteoporosis

by Samia S. Messeha, Fidara F. Fidudusola, Sherif Gendy, Lekan M. Latinwo, Caroline O. Odewumi and Karam F. A. Soliman

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020267 - 13 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1817

Abstract

Biological aging is a substantial change that leads to different diseases, including osteoporosis (OP), a condition involved in loss of bone density, deterioration of bone structure, and increased fracture risk. In old people, there is a natural decline in bone mineral density (BMD), exacerbated by hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, and it continues in the early postmenopausal years. During this transition time, hormonal alterations are linked to elevated oxidative stress (OS) and decreased antioxidant defenses, leading to a significant increase in OP. Aging is significantly associated with an abnormal ratio of oxidant/antioxidant and modified nuclear factor erythroid-derived two related factor2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway. OS adversely affects bone health by promoting osteoclastic (bone resorbing) activity and impairing osteoblastic (bone-forming cells). Nrf2 is critical in controlling OS and various cellular processes. The expression of Nrf2 is linked to multiple age-related diseases, including OP, and Nrf2 deficiency leads to unbalanced bone formation/resorption and a consequent decline in bone mass. Various drugs are available for treating OP; however, long-term uses of these medicines are implicated in diverse illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular, and stroke. At the same time, multiple categories of natural products, in particular flavonoids, were proposed as safe alternatives with antioxidant activity and substantial anti-osteoporotic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Products)

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