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Pharmaceuticals
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Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants
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Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2025 | Viewed by 13182

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Duc Dat Le

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungangno, Suncheon 57922, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
Interests: pharmacognogy; herbal medicines; ethnophamacognosy; inflammation
Dr. Cao Van Anh

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Interests: natural product chemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues

Natural compounds are known for their numerous benefits and applications in supporting health and for the treatment of some human diseases through their use in both traditional and modern medicines. Today, the development of modern technology and techniques in the natural compounds industry promises strong growth in the search for active metabolites from natural sources. Natural products are renowned for their safety and minimal side effects on users. Their biological properties can be evaluated through activity tests on in vitro or in vivo models, promising their potential development into useful products for the prevention and treatment of diseases, thereby improving human health. In addition, the identification and quantification of the chemical constituents in medicinal plants also play crucial roles in evaluating the quality of herbal medicines. 

For this Special Issue, we invite scientists from both academia and industry to submit articles highlighting the application of different techniques in the discovery of herbal natural products and the study of their mechanisms of action.

Dr. Duc Dat Le
Dr. Cao Van Anh
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. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • herbal medicines
  • bioactive compounds
  • NMR
  • phytochemistry
  • analytical method

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 2500 KB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Mandragora autumnalis: Characterization and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant and Anticancer Bioactivities
by Ghosoon Albahri, Adnan Badran, Heba Hellany, Nadine Kafrouny, Riham El Kurdi, Mohamad Alame, Akram Hijazi, Marc Maresca, Digambara Patra and Elias Baydoun
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(9), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18091294 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 599
Abstract
Background: One of the most widely used metal nanoparticles in biological applications is gold, which has unique physicochemical characteristics. Strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) endows them with exceptional optical properties that facilitate the development of innovative methods for biosensing, bioimaging, and [...] Read more.
Background: One of the most widely used metal nanoparticles in biological applications is gold, which has unique physicochemical characteristics. Strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) endows them with exceptional optical properties that facilitate the development of innovative methods for biosensing, bioimaging, and cancer research, particularly in the context of photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Methods: This study marked the first time that Mandragora autumnalis ethanolic extract (MAE) was utilized in the environmentally friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Several characterization methods, including dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and biological methods, were used to emphasize the anti-cancerous activity of the biogenic AuNPs. Results: MAE-AuNPs showed a surface plasmon resonance band at 570 nm. DLS and SEM demonstrated the synthesis of small, spherical AuNPs with a zeta potential of −19.07 mV. The crystalline nature of the AuNPs was confirmed by the XRD pattern, and data from FTIR and TGA verified that MAE-AuNPs played a part in stabilizing and capping the produced AuNPs. In addition, the MAE-AuNPs demonstrated their potential effectiveness as antioxidant and anticancer therapeutic agents by demonstrating radical scavenging activity and anticancer activity against a number of human cancer cell lines, specifically triple-negative breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Green synthesis techniques are superior to other synthesis methods because they are simple, economical, energy-efficient, and biocompatible, which reduces the need for hazardous chemicals in the reduction process. This article highlights the significance of characterizing MAE-AuNPs and evaluating their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants)
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21 pages, 2171 KB  
Article
Commiphora leptophloeos Bark Decoction: Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Non-Genotoxic Safety Profile
by José Rafael da Silva Araujo, Rafael de Felício, Camila Marinho da Silva, Palloma Lima de Oliveira, Silvany de Sousa Araújo, Laís Roberta Deroldo Sommaggio, Adriana Fabiana Corrêa da Silva, Paulo Henrique Valença Nunes, Bruno Oliveira de Veras, Erwelly Barros de Oliveira, Jaciana dos Santos Aguiar, Maria Aparecida Marin-Morales, Daniela Barretto Barbosa Trivella, Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon, Márcia Vanusa da Silva and Ana Christina Brasileiro-Vidal
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060863 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 758
Abstract
Background: Commiphora leptophloeos has long been used in Latin American folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, toxicological and phytochemical investigations are required to assess the safety and support the evidence-based use of its bark in medicinal applications. [...] Read more.
Background: Commiphora leptophloeos has long been used in Latin American folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, toxicological and phytochemical investigations are required to assess the safety and support the evidence-based use of its bark in medicinal applications. This study aimed to evaluate the aqueous bark extract of C. leptophloeos, focusing on its chemical composition and its antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic properties. Methods: The aqueous extract was obtained by decoction of dried bark samples. Phytochemical characterization was conducted using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and data were processed using the NP3 MS Workflow 1.1.4 software, allowing for the annotation of key secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was assessed through multiple in vitro assays, including DPPH, ABTS, phosphomolybdenum, and reducing power tests. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay, while genotoxicity was investigated through the Ames test and micronucleus assay. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed several flavonoids, with procyanidin B2 annotated as a major compound. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with EC50 values of 5.43 μg/mL (DPPH), 12.40 μg/mL (ABTS), 35.20 μg/mL (phosphomolybdenum), and 31.27 μg/mL (reducing power). The MTT assay showed no cytotoxic effects at concentrations up to 6400 μg/mL. Furthermore, both the Ames and micronucleus assays showed the absence of genotoxic effects at concentrations up to 1600 μg/plate and 400 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The aqueous bark extract of C. leptophloeos demonstrates strong antioxidant potential and a favorable safety profile, with no detectable cytotoxicity or genotoxicity at concentrations effective in antioxidant assays. Further studies are recommended to confirm and validate its traditional medicinal properties using appropriate in vivo models, followed by pre-clinical evaluations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants)
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11 pages, 568 KB  
Article
Does Green Brazilian Propolis Extract Improve Functional Capacity in Symptomatic Chronic Coronary Disease?—A Pilot Randomized Trial
by Clara Salles Figueiredo, Luiz Carlos Santana Passos, Caio Rebouças Fonseca Cafezeiro, Rodrigo Morel Vieira de Melo, Tainá Teixeira Viana, Eduardo Jorge Gomes de Oliveira, Andresa Aparecida Berretta and Marcelo Augusto Duarte Silveira
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060827 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 1443
Abstract
Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Low-dose colchicine has shown promise in reducing cardiovascular events, and green Brazilian propolis extract (EPP-AF® (standardized Brazilian green propolis extract) was provided by Apis Flora Indl. Coml. Ltda, Ribeirão [...] Read more.
Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Low-dose colchicine has shown promise in reducing cardiovascular events, and green Brazilian propolis extract (EPP-AF® (standardized Brazilian green propolis extract) was provided by Apis Flora Indl. Coml. Ltda, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil), known for its anti-inflammatory properties, may offer additional therapeutic benefits. This pilot study aimed to evaluate whether six weeks of EPP-AF® supplementation improves functional capacity assessed by treadmill exercise testing. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study conducted at a coronary disease clinic in Brazil. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with stable CHD receiving optimized medical therapy were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 200 mg of EPP-AF® or placebo twice daily for six weeks. The primary outcome was the change in treadmill exercise duration (in seconds). Secondary outcomes included total exercise time, functional capacity (measured in metabolic equivalents of task [METs]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina classification. Statistical analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: A total of 59 patients were randomized, with a median follow-up of 6.5 weeks. There was no significant difference in the primary endpoint between groups: the median change in treadmill test time was 39 s in the EPP-AF® group versus 30 s in the placebo group (p = 0.83). No improvements were observed in METs, hs-CRP levels, SAQ scores, or CCS class in the EPP-AF® group. No major adverse cardiovascular events occurred during the study. Conclusions: EPP-AF® did not improve functional capacity, inflammatory markers, or angina symptoms in patients with stable CHD compared to placebo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants)
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18 pages, 12445 KB  
Article
New Cannabinoids and Chlorin-Type Metabolites from the Flowers of Cannabis sativa L.: A Study on Their Neuroblastoma Activity
by Tuan-Quoc Nguyen, Hyo-Shin Park, Sun-Hyeong Choi, Da-Yun Hong, Jae-Yong Cheon, Young-Mi Lee, Chul-Min Kim, Jong-Ki Hong, Seo-Jeong Oh, Man-Soo Cho, Jang-Hoon Kim, Eun-Sol Lee, Jungwon Seo and Hyun-Ju Jung
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040521 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 7607
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cannabis sativa has been utilized for medical purposes for thousands of years. It continues to be recognized as a plant with an extensive variety of medicinal and nutraceutical uses today. In this study, a chemical investigation of the flowers of C. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cannabis sativa has been utilized for medical purposes for thousands of years. It continues to be recognized as a plant with an extensive variety of medicinal and nutraceutical uses today. In this study, a chemical investigation of the flowers of C. sativa isolated by using a variety of chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of eleven compounds. These purified compounds were evaluated for antitumor activity against SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. Methods: The compounds were isolated by using chromatographic techniques. Their structures were identified by the examination of spectroscopic methods, including 1D (1H, 13C, and DEPT) and 2D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and mass spectrum, together with the comparison to those reported previously in the literature. The evaluation of toxicity on SK-N-SH cells was performed by the MTT method. Results: Eleven compounds were isolated from the flowers of C. sativa, including two new compounds, namely cannabielsoxa (1), 132-hydroxypheophorbide c ethyl ester (2), and six known cannabinoids (6–11), together with the first isolation of chlorin-type compounds: pyropheophorbide A (3), 132-hydroxypheophorbide b ethyl ester (4), and ligulariaphytin A (5) from this plant. The results also demonstrated that cannabinoid compounds had stronger inhibitory effects on neuroblastoma cells than chlorin-type compounds. Conclusions: The evaluation of the biological activities of compounds showed that compounds 4–10 could be considered as the potential compounds for antitumor effects against neuroblastomas. This is also highlighted by using docking analysis. Additionally, the results of this study also suggest that these compounds have the potential to be developed into antineuroblastoma products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants)
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30 pages, 9283 KB  
Article
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Lagopsis supina Extract: Antioxidant, Adipogenic, and Ani-Inflammatory Effects
by Juhyun Choi, Duc Dat Le, Nayoung Roh, Jiseok Lee, Deumaya Shrestha, Thientam Dinh, Vinhquang Truong, Badamtsetseg Bazarragchaa, Soo-Yong Kim, Sung-Suk Suh, Mina Lee and Jong Bae Seo
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020150 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1677
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lagopsis supina, a traditional Chinese medicine valued for its diuretic properties, has limited research on its antioxidant, adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of Lagopsis supina extract (LSE). Methods: LSE was prepared [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lagopsis supina, a traditional Chinese medicine valued for its diuretic properties, has limited research on its antioxidant, adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of Lagopsis supina extract (LSE). Methods: LSE was prepared and evaluated for antioxidant activity, effects on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and anti-inflammatory properties in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS/MS)-based molecular networking was used to characterize its secondary metabolites. Results: LSE exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. It significantly enhanced the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes during early and intermediate stages by upregulating adipogenic transcription factors such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and C/EBPβ, along with promoting cyclin E expression. LSE also increased PPARγ activity and the expression of its target genes, such as Glut 4, PEPCK, FABP4, and Plin2. Moreover, LSE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages by downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6) and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Chemical profiling revealed eight major compound groups: glycosides, organic acids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylglycosides, phenolics, fatty acids, and others characterized by their mass fragmentation patterns, precursors, and UV absorption spectra. In silico analysis confirmed these compounds’ bioactivities, demonstrating strong interactions and binding affinities with antioxidant, adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory protein targets. Conclusions: These findings highlight LSE’s triple therapeutic potential: antioxidant activity, adipogenesis promotion, and inflammation attenuation. LSE emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate for managing obesity and related inflammatory complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacologically Active Compounds from Plants)
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