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The Role of Plant, Fungi and Algae Nutritive Compounds in the Management of Health and Disease

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2026 | Viewed by 206

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Interests: algal production; health and nutrition; biorefining of bioactive compounds; circular economy; en-vironmental sustainability; soil and plant health product development
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Guest Editor
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
Interests: biotechnology; advanced nutrition science; research translation and commercialisation; bioeconomy and circular economy; sustainability sciences; AgTech
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Malnutrition, the imbalance, excess or deficiency of a person’s energy or nutrient intake, affects every country and remains one of the most pressing global health challenges. The health benefits of plant-, fungal- and algal-derived bioactive molecules are well recognised, as many species are rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 and other health-promoting fatty acids, proteins, complex polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, knowledge gaps concerning dietary guidelines, the molecular mechanisms underpinning their health benefits and commercial production limit the broader inclusion of plants, fungi and algae or algae-derived molecules, especially in human diets. This Special Issue aims to address these gaps by systematically evaluating the bioresource-derived health benefits of key components and elucidating the molecular basis of their health-promoting effects. This Special Issue also seeks to analyze the market potential and provide recommendations on how to fortify diets with health-promoting nutritional extracts, with the aim of increasing their application in nutritional practices.

Dr. Kirsten Heimann
Dr. Evan Stephens
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • microalgae
  • macroalgae
  • cyanobacteria
  • plant
  • fungi
  • bioactive compounds
  • health and nutrition

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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29 pages, 789 KB  
Systematic Review
Opuntia dillenii as a Nutraceutical and Dietary Resource for Disease Prevention and Management: A Systematic Review
by Nisa Buset-Ríos, Mussa Makran and Ruymán Santana-Farré
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3915; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243915 (registering DOI) - 14 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: Chronic diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and their prevalence is increasing due to aging and lifestyle factors. A central element in their pathophysiology is chronic low-grade inflammation, linking metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and proliferative disorders. In this context, Opuntia [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and their prevalence is increasing due to aging and lifestyle factors. A central element in their pathophysiology is chronic low-grade inflammation, linking metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and proliferative disorders. In this context, Opuntia dillenii, a cactus species traditionally used in folk medicine, has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its promising nutraceutical potential. Methods: This systematic review was conducted through a PRISMA-guided literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying 45 studies that analyze the phytochemical composition and biological activity of O. dillenii. Results: The compounds highlighted include betalains, polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by modulating key inflammatory mediators. In addition, O. dillenii demonstrates antiproliferative activity, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth in various in vivo models, suggesting a potential role in cancer prevention and as a complementary therapy. The cactus also exhibits antiatherogenic and hypotensive effects, as well as hypolipidemic and antidiabetic properties by improving lipid profiles, reducing serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, its protective actions against tissue damage extend its therapeutic potential. Antimicrobial properties have also been reported, reinforcing its value as a functional food. Conclusions: Taken together, the evidence supports the use of O. dillenii as a versatile nutraceutical resource with a low toxicity profile, capable of contributing to the prevention and treatment of various chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Nevertheless, human clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and explore their full therapeutic utility. Full article
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