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Pharmaceuticals
Special Issues
Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases
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Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 7324

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eduardo Lira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Interests: natural products; diabetes mellitus; antihyperglycemic drugs; insulin resistance
Dr. Jackson Guedes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas de Plantas Medicinais (NEPLAME), Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina 56304-205, PE, Brazil
Interests: natural products; phytochemistry; antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory drugs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Raimundo Gonçalves De Oliveira Junior

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
UMR 8038 CiTCoM, Faculté de Santé, UFR Pharmacie, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
Interests: biotransformation; phytochemistry; anticancer drugs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural bioactive compounds and herbal medications have long been used for centuries in managing illnesses in humans and other animals. It is well established that natural products (NPs) have been the primary source of new molecules for developing new drugs and therapeutic agents. According to the World Health Organization, around 40% of pharmaceutical products have a natural basis, particularly animals, fungi, marine organisms, and medicinal plants and herbal drugs. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials have documented that different formulations of herbal remedies, isolated or in combination, such as leaf powder, pastes, decoction, infusions and pills, have been used for the treatment of inflammation, pain, different types of cancer, depression, and neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This Special Edition invites innovative and creative submissions exploring different aspects of medicinal plants and herbs as sources of potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Both review and original articles covering new features of phytochemicals, transforming bioprocesses, biological effects, and biochemical and molecular mechanisms of herbs’ actions are welcome. In addition, studies focusing on the relationship between traditional medicine plants and herbs and health are also welcome.

Dr. Eduardo Lira
Dr. Jackson Guedes
Dr. Raimundo Gonçalves De Oliveira Junior
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

  • medicinal plants
  • herbal remedies
  • natural products
  • traditional medicine

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3410 KB  
Article
Anti-Hangover and Hepatoprotective Effects of the Leaf Extract of Thunbergia laurifolia in Sprague–Dawley Rats
by Supaporn Intatham, Weerakit Taychaworaditsakul, Phraepakaporn Kunnaja, Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich, Kanjana Jaijoy, Sunee Chansakaow, Piyanuch Rojsanga and Seewaboon Sireeratawong
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050685 - 5 May 2025
Viewed by 985
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the anti-hangover and hepatoprotective activities of the leaf extract of T. laurifolia in experimental animals. Methods: Two experiments were conducted that involved giving a single dose of the leaf extract of T. laurifolia (1, 10, or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the anti-hangover and hepatoprotective activities of the leaf extract of T. laurifolia in experimental animals. Methods: Two experiments were conducted that involved giving a single dose of the leaf extract of T. laurifolia (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg body weight) to rats 30 min either before or after administration of 40% ethanol (5 g/kg body weight). The locomotor activity of the rats was measured before and after receiving the test substances. Blood samples were collected to determine the ethanol, acetate, and liver enzyme levels. Liver tissues were collected to evaluate alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant enzyme activities, and antioxidant levels. Results: Administration of the leaf extract of T. laurifolia to the rats prior to ethanol increased locomotor activity and reduced blood ethanol levels. The extract also prevented changes in liver enzyme levels and demonstrated antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals resulting from ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Conversely, rats administered the leaf extract of T. laurifolia after receiving ethanol were able to reduce the elevated liver enzyme levels back to normal levels, and probably helped to inhibit the harmful effects of free radicals by stimulating the synthesis and/or activities of antioxidant enzymes. Administration of the leaf extract of T. laurifolia either before or after ethanol exposure was able to reduce the activity of an alcohol-metabolizing enzyme as well as reduce blood acetate levels. Conclusions: In summary, receiving the leaf extract of T. laurifolia before alcohol consumption could probably help to reduce hangover symptoms and was shown to have hepatoprotective effects superior to receiving the extract after alcohol consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases)
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14 pages, 539 KB  
Article
The Combined Treatment of Chinese Herbal Medicines Is Correlated with a Lower Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Depression: Evidence from a Population-Based Patient–Control Study
by Chieh-Tsung Yen, Hanoch Livneh, Hui-Ju Huang, Ming-Chi Lu, Wei-Jen Chen and Tzung-Yi Tsai
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040480 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1017
Abstract
Background: Major depression places psychological strain on the individual that may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Though the use of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is widespread in clinical practice, its effect on the prevention of RA incidents is still unknown. [...] Read more.
Background: Major depression places psychological strain on the individual that may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Though the use of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is widespread in clinical practice, its effect on the prevention of RA incidents is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between CHMs use by patients with depression and their subsequent risk of being diagnosed with RA. Methods: This nested case–control study used claims data from a nationwide insurance database. We identified patients aged 20–70 years with newly diagnosed depression and without pre-existing RA between 2002 and 2010. We enrolled those with RA onset occurring after depression by the end of 2013 (n = 973). Randomly matched controls were selected from the remaining patients with depression but without RA (n = 1946). Conditional logistic regression analysis was executed to assess the association between CHMs use and RA onset. Data are presented as p-values with the significance set at 0.05 and as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In this study, we found that adding CHMs treatment to conventional antidepressants greatly decreased the subsequent risk of RA among patients with depression, with an ORs of 0.64 (95% CIs: 0.57–0.76). Those using CHMs for more than three years had the most striking benefit, with a 61% lower risk of RA. Notably, initiating CHMs within the first 2 years after depression onset resulted in the greatest decrease in the RA risk. Conclusion: Using CHMs with conventional antidepressant therapy reduced the RA risk among patients with depression. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the action of these herbal agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases)
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39 pages, 4978 KB  
Article
Optimized Hesperidin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles with Tea Tree Oil for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation
by Borros Arneth, Rehab Abdelmonem, Mohamed A. El-Nabarawi, Mahmoud Hassan Teaima, Kareem Omar Rashwan, Mohamed A. Soliman and Inas Essam Ibrahim Al-Samadi
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030290 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1489
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to develop hesperidin solid lipid nanoparticles (HESP-SLNs) to enhance their stability, solubility, and sustained release for wound healing; further enhancement was achieved through prepared nanostructured lipid carriers (HESP-NLCs) using Tea Tree Oil (TTO) to explore their synergistic efficacy. Methods [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to develop hesperidin solid lipid nanoparticles (HESP-SLNs) to enhance their stability, solubility, and sustained release for wound healing; further enhancement was achieved through prepared nanostructured lipid carriers (HESP-NLCs) using Tea Tree Oil (TTO) to explore their synergistic efficacy. Methods: A factorial design of 24 trials was established to evaluate the influence of lipid type (X1), lipid conc (%) (X2), surfactant type (X3), and sonication amplitude (%) (X4) of prepared HESP-SLNs on the particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersibility index (Y2), zeta potential (Y3), and encapsulation efficiency (%) (Y4). The optimized HESP-SLNs formula was selected utilizing Design Expert® software version 13, which was additionally enhanced by preparing TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs. In vitro release, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were carried out for both lipid nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity, in vivo wound-healing assessments, and skin irritancy tests were performed to evaluate the performance of TTO-incorporated HESP-NLCs compared to HESP-SLNs. Results: The optimized formula demonstrated PS (280 ± 1.35 nm), ZP (−39.4 ± 0.92 mV), PDI (0.239 ± 0.012), and EE% (88.2 ± 2.09%). NLCs enhanced Q6% release, (95.14%) vs. (79.69%), for SLNs and showed superior antimicrobial efficacy. Both lipid nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology and compatibility between HESP and excipients. NLCs achieved the highest wound closure percentage, supported by histological analysis and inflammatory biomarker outcomes. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed 87% cell viability compared to untreated HSF cells, and the skin irritancy test confirmed the safety of NLCs. Conclusions: TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs are promising candidates exhibiting superior wound-healing capabilities, making them a potential therapeutic option for cutaneous wound management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases)
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Review

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20 pages, 724 KB  
Review
The Role of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in Liver Health and Hepatoprotective Properties
by Francisca Herrera Vielma, Matías Quiñones San Martin, Nicolás Muñoz-Carrasco, Fernanda Berrocal-Navarrete, Daniel R. González and Jessica Zúñiga-Hernández
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18070990 - 1 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2839
Abstract
Background: Taraxacum officinale (T. officinale), commonly known as dandelion, is a plant with recognized therapeutic properties in both traditional and modern medicine. Historically, it has been used to treat various conditions, particularly liver disorders, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.
Background: Taraxacum officinale (T. officinale), commonly known as dandelion, is a plant with recognized therapeutic properties in both traditional and modern medicine. Historically, it has been used to treat various conditions, particularly liver disorders, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This narrative review focuses on its biological activity, with an emphasis on hepatoprotective effects. Methods: We performed a compilation and analysis of published studies on the effects of T. officinale in animal models and its potential application in liver diseases. Results: Preclinical studies have reported that extracts of this plant protect against liver damage induced by toxic agents such as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, and paracetamol. Among the most relevant and predominant bioactive compounds of T. officinale is taraxasterol, which modulates inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, helping to prevent liver damage. Conclusions: While preclinical studies are promising, further clinical trials are essential to confirm the safety and efficacy of T. officinale in the treatment of liver diseases. Determining the optimal dosing, evaluating its potential as an adjuvant in pharmacological treatments, as well as evaluating possible interactions with conventional drugs, is necessary for the potential use of T. officinale as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of liver diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases)
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Other

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22 pages, 1237 KB  
Systematic Review
Therapeutic Potential of Natural Xanthones Against Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review of Research Trends During the Last Ten Years (2014–2024)
by Gaétan Tchangou Tabakam, Emmanuel Mfotie Njoya, Chika Ifeanyi Chukwuma, Samson Sitheni Mashele, Maurice Ducret Awouafack and Tshepiso Jan Makhafola
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081197 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men worldwide and is ranked as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in men globally. Background/Objectives: We aimed to identify the effectiveness of cytotoxic plant-derived xanthones against prostate cancer over the past [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men worldwide and is ranked as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in men globally. Background/Objectives: We aimed to identify the effectiveness of cytotoxic plant-derived xanthones against prostate cancer over the past ten years. Methods: Searches were performed in Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed/Medline for ten years up to December 2024 using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The published articles were assessed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 procedure. Results: From a total number of n = 11,932 results, 9 were retained as included studies, which included 51 xanthones. Conclusions: Garcibractatin A and bracteaxanthone VII exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on human prostate cancer (PC-3 cells) [IC50 value of 2.93 and 4.8 μM] and the human normal prostatic stromal myofibroblast cell line (WPMY-1 cells) [IC50 value of 0.76 and 3.2 μM], which were more potent than the reference etoposide [(IC50 value of 10.07 μM) and (IC50 value of 12.98 μM)]. Parvifolixanthone A showed significant activity on PC-3 (IC50 of 4.65 μM), which was more potent than the reference 5-fluorouracil (IC50 of 30.59 μM); gaudichaudione H, cantleyanone A, isobractatin, isoforbesione, and neobractatin had strong cytotoxicity (IC50 values between 2.10 and 3.39 μM) as compared to etoposide (IC50 of 10.07 μM). Despite these positive outlooks, there are still several restrictions, most notably the absence of in vivo evidence in many studies and well-defined mechanisms of action for all the promising bioactive xanthones identified in this work as well as the absence of studies of their cytotoxicity on certain normal cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products as an Alternative for Treatment of Human Diseases)
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