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Plant-Derived Natural Compounds as Bioactive Molecules with Beneficial Effects on...
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Plant-Derived Natural Compounds as Bioactive Molecules with Beneficial Effects on Human Health, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 November 2026 | Viewed by 4254

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Diego Morales

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departmental Section of Galenic Pharmacy and Food Technology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: bioactive compounds; supercritical fluids; bioactivities; HPLC; food; volatile component
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A strong correlation between natural compounds and health status has been assumed by modern researchers. The use of non-synthetic drugs can, in some cases, avoid certain disadvantages linked to conventional pharmaceuticals, such as adverse reactions or side effects and a lack of specificity. Accordingly, research on vegetal compounds (e.g., peptides, phenolic compounds, lipids, polysaccharides/fibers, etc.) has exponentially increased in recent decades. These investigations must cover raw materials’ selection (including by-product revalorization) and extraction, analytical and biochemical techniques (following, to the greatest extent possible, the principles of sustainability and green chemistry), and biological activity tests that include in vitro and animal models but also require validation through clinical trials. Numerous plant-based nutraceuticals and drugs have been designed and evaluated, encouraging further investigation to finally integrate these products with conventional medicaments and thus obtain healthy alternatives. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to investigate the latest findings and insights related to the study of vegetal bioactives, plant nutraceuticals, and drugs (including extraction and biochemical and biological activity analyses); identify the current limitations; and elucidate future perspectives.

Dr. Diego Morales
Guest Editor

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. 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

  • plant bioactives
  • bioactive compounds
  • gut microbiome
  • immune-modulatory
  • antioxidant
  • hypocholesterolemic
  • antihypertensive
  • clinical trials

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3887 KB  
Article
Safety Assessment of the Ethanolic Seed Extract of Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens: Acute and Chronic Oral Toxicity Studies in Sprague–Dawley Rats
by Supaporn Intatham, Kanjana Jaijoy, Sunee Chansakaow and Seewaboon Sireeratawong
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(3), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030421 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) DC. var. pruriens is a leguminous plant whose seeds have been used in traditional medicine, including for the enhancement of sexual function. However, scientific evidence regarding its toxicological safety remains limited. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) DC. var. pruriens is a leguminous plant whose seeds have been used in traditional medicine, including for the enhancement of sexual function. However, scientific evidence regarding its toxicological safety remains limited. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic oral toxicity of the ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens var. pruriens in Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Acute oral toxicity was assessed in female rats following a single oral administration of the ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens var. pruriens at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight, with animals monitored for general behavior, clinical signs, and mortality over a 14-day period. Chronic oral toxicity was evaluated in female and male rats administered the ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens var. pruriens at doses of 100, 500, and 2500 mg/kg body weight daily for 270 days. Animals were monitored for general behavior, clinical signs, and health status throughout the study. Hematological, blood chemistry, gross pathological, and histopathological assessments were conducted at study termination. Results: In the acute oral toxicity study, no mortality or treatment-related behavioral abnormalities or clinical signs were observed in female rats receiving the ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens var. pruriens, and findings were comparable to those of the control group. In the chronic oral toxicity study, no mortality occurred in any treatment group. Although statistically significant increases or decreases were observed in certain body weight, organ weight, hematological, and blood biochemical parameters compared with the control group, all values remained within established reference ranges. When considered together with the absence of abnormal behavioral changes, clinical signs, and gross pathological or histopathological alterations in major organs, these findings indicate that long-term oral administration of the ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens var. pruriens did not result in chronic toxicity. Conclusions: The ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens var. pruriens did not produce acute or chronic oral toxicity in Sprague–Dawley rats. Nevertheless, further clinical investigations are recommended to confirm its long-term safety for human use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Natural Compounds as Bioactive Molecules with Beneficial Effects on Human Health, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2053 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Characterization of Astragalus boeticus L. Extracts, Diuretic Activity Assessment, and Oral Toxicity Prediction of Trans-Resveratrol
by Ahmed Elfallaki Elidrissi, Najoua Soulo, Amal Elrherabi, Tarik Chelouati, Otmane Zouirech, Abdelkrim Agour, Karima El-Yagoubi, Widad Tbatou, Fahd A. Nasr, Mohammed Al-zharani, Ashraf Ahmed Qurtam and Elhoussine Derwich
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(12), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121893 - 15 Dec 2025
Viewed by 962
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Plant-derived diuretics are attracting increasing interest due to their promising efficacy and improved safety profile compared with synthetic drugs. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of Astragalus boeticus (A. boeticus) extracts, evaluate their diuretic activity, and assess the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Plant-derived diuretics are attracting increasing interest due to their promising efficacy and improved safety profile compared with synthetic drugs. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of Astragalus boeticus (A. boeticus) extracts, evaluate their diuretic activity, and assess the oral safety of their main phenolic compound. Methods: Aqueous (AQE) and hydroethanolic (EtOHE) extracts were analyzed using LC–MS/MS, while in silico toxicity prediction of trans-resveratrol was performed using ProTox-II and ADMETlab 2.0. Diuretic activity was evaluated in male Wistar rats (n = 24) divided into four groups: control (distilled water, 10 mL/kg), furosemide (10 mg/kg), AQE (300 mg/kg), and EtOHE (300 mg/kg). Urine and plasma samples were collected after 15 days to determine electrolyte concentrations, creatinine level, creatinine clearance, and hepatic enzyme profile. Results: LC–MS/MS profiling identified fourteen phenolic compounds, with trans-resveratrol (270 µg/g in AQE) being the most abundant, followed by cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and gentisic acid. In silico assessments revealed no hepatotoxic, mutagenic, or neurotoxic effects of trans-resveratrol. Both extracts significantly enhanced urinary output, chloride excretion, and creatinine clearance, while maintaining stable renal and hepatic biochemical parameters, indicating potent diuretic activity without toxicity. Conclusions: A. boeticus extracts demonstrate strong diuretic potential associated with a favorable safety profile, likely linked to their phenolic composition dominated by trans-resveratrol. These findings support the use of A. boeticus as a natural and safe diuretic source. Further investigation is recommended to elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Natural Compounds as Bioactive Molecules with Beneficial Effects on Human Health, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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27 pages, 3164 KB  
Review
The Role of Phytocompounds and the Physiological Response of the Skin in Common Dermatological Conditions: A Narrative Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Trends
by Csaba Nagy, Florina Miere (Groza), Mariana Ganea, Laura Grațiela Vicaș, Mariana Eugenia Mureșan, Angela Antonescu, Simona Ioana Vicas and Luciana Dobjanschi
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050757 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 376
Abstract
Background: The skin, as the largest organ of the human body, plays a crucial role in protection, immunity and homeostasis. Its exposure to environmental and internal factors contributes to the development of various dermatological conditions. Conventional treatments are often associated with adverse [...] Read more.
Background: The skin, as the largest organ of the human body, plays a crucial role in protection, immunity and homeostasis. Its exposure to environmental and internal factors contributes to the development of various dermatological conditions. Conventional treatments are often associated with adverse effects and increased resistance. This review aims to explore the growing role of phytotherapeutic approaches in dermatology, along with mapping recent research trends in the field. Methods: The paper presents three parts: the first part highlights the mapping of interest in the addressed topic through a systematic selection of the specialized literature using the Web of Science database. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, with data visualized in VOSviewer to identify publication trends, keyword clusters, and collaboration networks across European countries. Subsequently, in the second part of the review, the main topical topics regarding the skin were addressed (the immune and non-immune response system, microbiome composition and physiological responses in different situations). The third part of the paper addresses phytotherapy targeted at the dermatological sphere and controlled release therapeutic systems. Results: The analysis identified a total of 267 publications, with a significant increase in recent years. Key research clusters included phytochemical-based therapies, nanocarrier systems, and inflammatory skin conditions. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed emerging trends in nanoformulations and targeted delivery systems. The main research groups focused on polyphenols, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects and advanced delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and liposomes. In addition, innovative formulations have improved bioavailability and targeted administration. Conclusions: Phytotherapeutic approaches represent a promising alternative to conventional dermatological treatments, offering effective, safer and more sustainable solutions. The integration of natural compounds with modern delivery systems improves therapeutic outcomes and minimizes side effects, supporting their increasing relevance in clinical and pharmaceutical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Natural Compounds as Bioactive Molecules with Beneficial Effects on Human Health, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 738 KB  
Review
Biological Activities of Novel Kombuchas Based on Alternative Ingredients to Replace Tea Leaves
by Noemi Hontana-Moreno and Diego Morales
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(11), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18111722 - 13 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1234
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Traditional kombucha is produced by fermenting a sweetened infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves with a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). The growing interest in this beverage has driven the exploration of alternative substrates, including a wide range of plant-based [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Traditional kombucha is produced by fermenting a sweetened infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves with a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). The growing interest in this beverage has driven the exploration of alternative substrates, including a wide range of plant-based raw materials, such as leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds. Consequently, numerous products are being investigated for their differential properties, not only organoleptic but also nutritional and bioactive. This review aims to summarize recent advances in alternative kombucha research, focusing on the substrates used, their physicochemical and biochemical characteristics, and the biological activities studied. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to select articles related to alternative kombuchas. A critical analysis of their current state was carried out through the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) methodology. Results: The SWOT analysis led to the identification of strengths, including promising in vitro results and growing consumer interest; weaknesses, including a lack of animal studies, clinical trials, and approved health claims, and an excessive focus on antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds; opportunities, including substrate diversity, innovation, and consumer education; and threats, including elaboration risks, misinformation, competitors, and potential consumer rejection. Conclusions: Despite the promising results achieved to date, it is essential that the scientific community and the food industry continue efforts to generate robust evidence, particularly through clinical validation, in order to draw reliable conclusions regarding the benefits of alternative kombuchas for human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Natural Compounds as Bioactive Molecules with Beneficial Effects on Human Health, 2nd Edition)
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