Natural Bioactive Compounds as a Promising Approach to Mitigating Oxidative Stress—Second Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the first edition of this Topic (https://www.mdpi.com/topics/79AKQ1L484), which highlighted the crucial role of natural bioactive compounds in mitigating oxidative stress-mediated pathologies, we are pleased to announce this second edition.

Oxidative stress remains a central driver in the pathogenesis of chronic conditions, including metabolic syndrome, oncological diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. While the first edition established the potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory profiles of polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, the transition from in vitro efficacy to clinical application continues to face significant hurdles.

In this second edition, we aim to build upon previous findings by further exploring the synergy between natural products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical chemistry, and nanotechnology. A primary focus remains the extraction of bioactive natural products, the characterization of their physicochemical behaviour and therapeutic potential, and the mitigation of their inherent pharmacokinetic limitations, such as poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and metabolic instability, through advanced nanocarrier systems and novel targeted drug delivery platforms.

We welcome original research and review articles focusing on the following:

• Green Extraction and Isolation: Sustainable methodologies for recovering high-purity bioactive scaffolds.
• Structural Characterization: Advanced analytical techniques to elucidate complex natural architectures.
• Molecular Pharmacology: Mechanistic studies on ligand–receptor interactions and the modulation of signaling pathways (e.g., Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB).
• Nanomedicine and Formulation Science: Utilization of lipid-based, polymeric, or inorganic nanoparticles to enhance the biopharmaceutical profile and therapeutic index of antioxidant compounds.

By integrating these multidisciplinary approaches, this edition seeks to bridge the gap between traditional natural product chemistry and modern pharmaceutical technology.

Prof. Dr. Andrea Ragusa
Prof. Dr. Michele Maffia
Topic Editors