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Toxics
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Toxic Agents-Induced Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants
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Toxic Agents-Induced Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Drugs Toxicity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2025 | Viewed by 5232

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Suzana Žunec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: biochemical and molecular mechanisms of toxicity of xenobiotics and natural compounds; antioxidant activity; influence of compounds at the cell level; interaction of enzymes with reversible inhibitors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Interest related to the origin of free radicals and the role of antioxidants has arisen owing to the fact that free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules with a significant impact on the human biological system. Extensive research has classified different types of free radicals within three main categories: reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive sulfur species (RSS). The origin of radicals can be endogenous sources such as multifaction in mitochondria, peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum, phagocytic cells, etc., while exogenous sources may be air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, alcohol, smoking, heavy metals, pesticides and certain drugs. Oxidative stress has been associated with more than one hundred pathologies (atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pancreatic and liver diseases, joint disorders, cardiac fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, neurological diseases, aging, cancer, etc.). Therefore, supplementation of exogenous antioxidants or boosting endogenous antioxidant defenses of the body is a promising way of combating the undesirable effects of reactive species-induced oxidative damage. Besides playing a vital role in health maintenance and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases, medicinal plants can also protect the body from oxidative damage. This is likely due to their innate ability to synthesize non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and glutathione, as well as secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds. Antioxidant evaluation techniques or mechanisms via which medicinal plants act as antioxidants may be added value to the optimization of antioxidant ranks. Here, it is necessary to emphasize the need for the correct interpretation of the findings of plant therapeutic potential assessment studies based on in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as from the evidence in humans.

In this context, we encourage the submission of manuscripts, both original research and review papers, presenting novel findings of natural products’ role in the management of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Dr. Suzana Žunec
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 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. Toxics 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 2600 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

  • bioactive molecules
  • health maintenance
  • longevity
  • oxidative stress-related disorders
  • treatment
  • prevention
  • antioxidative activity

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
The Toxicological Impact of the Ultraviolet Filter Oxybenzone on Antioxidant Profiles in In Vitro Cultures of Lentinula edodes
by Agata Kryczyk-Poprawa, Adrián Sánchez-Hidalgo, Wojciech Baran, Ewa Adamek, Katarzyna Sułkowska-Ziaja, Katarzyna Kała, Bożena Muszyńska and Włodzimierz Opoka
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030145 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 847
Abstract
A detailed understanding of the toxic effects of organic UV filters, such as oxybenzone, on living organisms is crucial for assessing the feasibility of bioremediation methods. Due to the widespread use of oxybenzone as an ultraviolet filter in sunscreens, it has become an [...] Read more.
A detailed understanding of the toxic effects of organic UV filters, such as oxybenzone, on living organisms is crucial for assessing the feasibility of bioremediation methods. Due to the widespread use of oxybenzone as an ultraviolet filter in sunscreens, it has become an emerging contaminant of concern in the environment. This concern extends to fungi, which have the potential to neutralize a wide variety of xenobiotics released into the environment. The primary objective of the study was to elucidate the alterations of antioxidant profiles of the white-rot fungus Lentinula edodes in response to oxybenzone exposure. Samples with oxybenzone at a final concentration of 0.1 mg mL−1 were cultured in vitro with the mycelium of L. edodes for 14 days. The contents of the following antioxidant compounds were assessed: indole derivatives (6-methyl-D,L-tryptophan, tryptophan), ergothioneine, and phenolic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid), as well as lovastatin and ergosterol. The addition of oxybenzone negatively affected biomass growth, reducing it from 3.205 ± 0.4022 g to 0.5803 ± 0.1019 g. A considerable reduction in oxybenzone amounts was found in the medium after incubation (from 25 mg to 0.2993 ± 0.1934 mg). After lyophilization, the mycelium contained 1.1591 ± 0.0323 mg of oxybenzone. Additionally, eleven biotransformation products were assessed in the mycelium and medium samples using UPLC-Q ToF. After incubation, the transformation products were identified based on monoisotopic molecular mass and fragmentation spectra. The observed increase in the content of some antioxidants, e.g., ergothioneine, while reducing the content of others, such as lovastatin, suggests that the impact of xenobiotics on the antioxidant profile of in vitro cultures of L. edodes is complex. Marked alterations in biomass growth suggest a potential toxicological risk associated with oxybenzone. This study contributes to the understanding of the environmental impact of UV filters and emphasizes the need for safer alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Agents-Induced Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants)
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15 pages, 4287 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Thymoquinone and Hesperidin in Attenuating Cardiotoxicity from 5-Fluorouracil: Insights from In Vivo and In Silico Studies
by Juveriya Farooq, Rokeya Sultana, Jainey P. James, Zakiya Fathima C, Ali F. Almutairy and Abubakar Siddique Mustafa Hussain
Toxics 2024, 12(9), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12090688 - 23 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1361
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used in chemotherapy but poses serious risks of cardiotoxicity, which can significantly affect treatment outcomes. Identifying interventions that can prevent these adverse effects without undermining anticancer efficacy is crucial. This study investigates the efficacy of Thymoquinone (TQ) and Hesperidin [...] Read more.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used in chemotherapy but poses serious risks of cardiotoxicity, which can significantly affect treatment outcomes. Identifying interventions that can prevent these adverse effects without undermining anticancer efficacy is crucial. This study investigates the efficacy of Thymoquinone (TQ) and Hesperidin (HESP) in preventing cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU in Wistar rats and elucidates the molecular interactions through docking studies. We employed an experimental design involving multiple groups of Wistar rats exposed to 5-FU, with and without the concurrent administration of TQ and HESP. Cardiac function markers, oxidative stress indicators, and inflammatory markers were assessed. Additionally, molecular docking was used to analyze the interaction of TQ and HESP with key inflammatory proteins. Treatment with TQ and HESP not only lowered levels of cardiac enzymes but also improved antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation in cardiac tissues. Notably, the combination of TQ and HESP provided more significant protective effects than either agent alone. Molecular docking supported these findings, showing effective binding of TQ and HESP to inflammatory targets. TQ and HESP demonstrate potential as protective agents against cardiotoxicity in 5-FU-treated rats, with their combined use offering enhanced protection. These findings suggest a viable strategy for reducing cardiac risks associated with 5-FU chemotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Agents-Induced Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants)
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15 pages, 4027 KiB  
Article
Effects of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Aqueous Leaf Extract and Arbutin on PK-15 and HepG2 Cells
by Vesna Benković, Ines Tkalčec, Anica Knežević, Karlo Jurica, Fabijan Knežević, Irena Brčić Karačonji and Nevenka Kopjar
Toxics 2024, 12(9), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12090628 - 26 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
The antioxidant properties of the leaves of the Mediterranean strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) are mainly attributed to the main bioactive compound, the phenolic glycoside arbutin. In this study, the safety profile of strawberry tree aqueous leaf extract (STE) and arbutin at [...] Read more.
The antioxidant properties of the leaves of the Mediterranean strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) are mainly attributed to the main bioactive compound, the phenolic glycoside arbutin. In this study, the safety profile of strawberry tree aqueous leaf extract (STE) and arbutin at the DNA level was assessed in vitro using porcine PK-15 kidney cells and HepG2 cells derived from human hepatomas. To examine the effects on cell viability and DNA damage, cells were treated for 24 h with STE or arbutin at three concentrations presumed to be non-toxic (400, 200, and 11.4 µg/mL). Assessments were performed using the MTS viability assay, dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescent staining, and alkaline comet assay. Results showed that the highest concentration (400 µg/mL) of both tested compounds had no significant cytotoxic effects on either PK-15 or HepG2 cells. Apoptosis was the predominant type of cell death and the total amount of DNA damage in treated cells was within acceptable limits. These results on the in vitro cytocompatibility of arbutin and STE with PK-15 and HepG2 cells could serve to make more reliable judgements about safe levels of arbutin in cosmetic products and functional foods, given the increased popularity of the compound in recent years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Agents-Induced Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants)
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16 pages, 1761 KiB  
Article
Effects of Strawberry Tree Water Leaf Extract and Arbutin on Biochemical Markers and DNA Integrity in Brain Cells of Lewis Rats
by Vesna Benković, Dora Vuković, Iva Đelatić, Vanja Popović, Karlo Jurica, Fabijan Knežević, Irena Brčić Karačonji, Ana Lucić Vrdoljak and Nevenka Kopjar
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080595 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
There is growing evidence that arbutin and plant extracts rich in arbutin, such as extracts of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), exert a range of beneficial effects, including cyto- and genoprotective properties. This study evaluated the effects of strawberry tree water [...] Read more.
There is growing evidence that arbutin and plant extracts rich in arbutin, such as extracts of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), exert a range of beneficial effects, including cyto- and genoprotective properties. This study evaluated the effects of strawberry tree water leaf extract (STE) and arbutin in the brain tissue of Lewis rats. STE or arbutin were administered per os to male and female rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 14 or 28 days. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using biochemical markers (lipid peroxidation and the activities of the antioxidative enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase). The effects of the tested substances on DNA integrity in brain cells were evaluated using the alkaline comet assay. The results suggest a high biocompatibility of both tested substances with rat brain tissue. No significant harmful disturbances were observed in the oxidative/antioxidative status or impairments of DNA integrity in the rat brain cells. Nearly all post-treatment values were within tolerable limits as compared to the matched control rats. Such encouraging findings support further research using other subtle biomarkers to clarify the safety aspects of arbutin and STE prior to the development of specific nutraceutical products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Agents-Induced Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants)
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