Natural Bioactive Compounds as a Promising Approach to Mitigating Oxidative Stress

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress is a pathological condition that arises due to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidant defense systems in the body. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Natural bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, offer a promising approach to mitigating oxidative stress. These compounds are found in various sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, and have demonstrated potent antioxidant properties capable of preventing oxidative damage to cells. Additionally, they exhibit beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and immune-modulating properties.

Despite their robust pharmacodynamic effects, these compounds often exhibit poor pharmacokinetics. In response, nanotechnological approaches have been leveraged to enhance the characteristics of these compounds, addressing issues such as solubility, bioavailability, and stability. This improvement aims to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of natural bioactive compounds, making them more suitable for pharmaceutical applications.

Within this topic, we welcome contributions related to natural bioactive compounds and the exploitation of their antioxidant effects in fighting oxidative stress. We encourage the exploration of green extraction methods for natural sources, the structural characterization of complex biomolecules, and investigations into their interactions with cellular receptors and enzymes. Additionally, contributions discussing the potential application of novel nanotechnologies to enhance the physicochemical characteristics of these compounds are also appreciated. 

Prof. Dr. Andrea Ragusa
Prof. Dr. Filomena Corbo
Topic Editors