Biological Activities of Plant Extracts, Secondary Metabolites, and Semi-Synthetic Derivatives
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 1549
Special Issue Editors
Interests: organic chemistry; organic synthesis; natural products research; biological activity of natural compounds and derivatives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plant extracts, secondary metabolites, and semi-synthetic derivatives have gained significant attention due to their diverse biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. Plant extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, have long been utilized in traditional medicine and continue to be a source of novel drug leads. Secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, play crucial roles in plant defense and have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These bioactive compounds often act as natural pharmaceuticals or serve as templates for the development of synthetic drugs.
Semi-synthetic derivatives, which are modified versions of natural plant compounds, offer enhanced bioavailability, potency, and selectivity compared to their parent compounds. The process of semi-synthesis involves altering the chemical structure of natural metabolites to improve their pharmacological profiles, making them more effective in treating various diseases.
The biological activities of these compounds are largely attributed to their ability to interact with specific molecular targets, including enzymes, receptors, and ion channels. Recent advances in phytochemistry and biotechnology have led to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind these activities, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic agents derived from plant-based sources. This multidisciplinary approach continues to hold promise for addressing global health challenges.
Dr. Héctor Carrasco
Dr. Lautaro Taborga
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- plant extracts
- secondary metabolites
- semi-synthetic derivatives
- biological activities
- bioactive compounds
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