Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

For millennia, medicinal plants have been a valuable source of therapeutic agents, and many of today's drugs are plant-derived natural products or their derivatives. Natural products and their biological activities are a subject of great interest in the pharmaceutical, health food, and cosmetics industries. The number of scientific studies in this field is increasing rapidly. Natural compounds have demonstrated anticancer, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. Of the drugs approved between 1981 and 2019, 3.8% correspond to unaltered natural products and 18.9% are natural product derivates. Natural products have a significant role in drug discovery, and new studies with natural compounds are increasingly required to elucidate the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms needed to increase our clinical arsenal in the treatment of several diseases.

Prof. Dr. Cristiane Aguiar Da Costa
Prof. Dr. Graziele Freitas De Bem
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Compounds compounds	-	2.3	2021	32.5 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Medicines medicines	-	-	2014	28.6 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.2	7.4	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.9 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Separations separations	2.5	3.0	2014	15.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis of Wild Bletilla striata Tubers Across Multiple Years Revealed the Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Polysaccharide Metabolism and Tuber Enlargement

by Hai Huang, Long Yang, Chunfang Luo, Tuo Qi and Junna Duan

Plants 2025, 14(5), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050689 - 24 Feb 2025

Viewed by 443

Abstract

A Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f., known as Bai Ji in Chinese, is a plant from the Orchidaceae family that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years in China. B. striata holds significant economic value due to [...] Read more.

A Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f., known as Bai Ji in Chinese, is a plant from the Orchidaceae family that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years in China. B. striata holds significant economic value due to its esteemed medicinal applications. Our study aimed to analyze the transcriptome of wild B. striata tubers across multiple years to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating polysaccharide metabolism and tuber enlargement. We collected wild B. striata samples of different growth ages and analyzed their chemical composition, including total phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and proteins. The results showed that the content of these compounds varied with the growth age of the plants. Our study focused on analyzing the genes associated with growth years and accelerating the seedling growth cycle, which holds immense value for the preservation and optimal utilization of superior B. striata orchid resources. To further investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis to explore gene expression, functional annotation, and regulatory networks related to the development and chemical composition of B. striata tubers. The quality of perennial medicinal herbs is intricately linked to their growth age. Unfortunately, excessive wild resource excavation has resulted in the premature harvesting of these herbs, causing a decline in their overall quality and effectiveness. Our study offers valuable insights into the conservation and utilization of B. striata resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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18 pages, 2395 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Anticancer Activity of Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabigerol (CBG) on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

by Ahmad Kadriya, Sarah Forbes-Robertson and Mizied Falah

Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5970; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245970 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3633

Abstract

Several cannabis plant-derived compounds, especially cannabinoids, exhibit therapeutic potential in numerous diseases and conditions. In particular, THC and CBD impart palliative, antiemetic, as well as anticancer effects. The antitumor effects include inhibition of cancerous cell growth and metastasis and induction of cell death, [...] Read more.

Several cannabis plant-derived compounds, especially cannabinoids, exhibit therapeutic potential in numerous diseases and conditions. In particular, THC and CBD impart palliative, antiemetic, as well as anticancer effects. The antitumor effects include inhibition of cancerous cell growth and metastasis and induction of cell death, all mediated by cannabinoid interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. In addition, their effects on leukemia have scarcely been investigated. The current work aimed to assess the antileukemic effects of CBN and CBG on an acute monocytic leukemia cell line, the THP-1. THP-1 cell viability, morphology and cell cycle analyses were performed to determine potential cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects of CBN and CBG. Western blotting was carried out to measure the expression of the proapoptotic p53. Both CBN and CBG inhibited cell growth and induced THP-1 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a dose- and time-dependent manner. CBN and CBG illustrated different dosage effects on THP-1 cells in the MTT assay (CBN > 40 μΜ, CBG > 1 μM) and flow cytometry (CBN > 5 μM, CBG > 40 μM), highlighting the cannabinoids’ antileukemic activity. Our study hints at a direct correlation between p53 expression and CBG or CBN doses exceeding 50 μM, suggesting potential activation of p53-associated signaling pathways underlying these effects. Taken together, CBG and CBN exhibited suppressive, cell death-inducing effects on leukemia cells. However, further in-depth research will be needed to explore the molecular mechanisms driving the anticancer effects of CBN and CBG in the leukemia setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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48 pages, 3768 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Bench to Any Side—The Pharmacology and Applications of Natural and Synthetic Alkylated Hydroxy Cinnamates and Cinnamides

by José C. J. M. D. S. Menezes and Vinícius R. Campos

Compounds 2024, 4(4), 729-776; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds4040044 - 4 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1659

Abstract

Natural alkylated hydroxy cinnamates (AHCs) isolated from medicinal plants and the thereby designed and synthesized cinnamides are derivatives of hydroxy cinnamic acids such as p-coumaric, sinapic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, which are naturally derived from human dietary sources. The pharmacological properties displayed [...] Read more.

Natural alkylated hydroxy cinnamates (AHCs) isolated from medicinal plants and the thereby designed and synthesized cinnamides are derivatives of hydroxy cinnamic acids such as p-coumaric, sinapic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, which are naturally derived from human dietary sources. The pharmacological properties displayed by AHCs based on their inherent structure range include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anti-tyrosinase, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease therapy, anticancer therapy, metabolic disease therapy, and biopesticides, which have not been reviewed together. Based on their inherent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV absorption and their structure–activity relationships, these cinnamyl esters and amides can be used for food preservation in emulsions and oils, as sun-protective components of skin care formulations, and in many other multifunctional applications. In conclusion, the fine-tuning of the structural features such as the type of hydroxy cinnamic acid used, the length of alkyl chains for variable lipophilicity, conversion from cinnamic to propanoic for antioxidants, the increase in methoxy or the change to amino groups to increase the molar absorption coefficient and loss of absorption values, the substitution by halides or amino groups for potent biopesticides, and conversion from esters to amide bonds leads to different AHCs for biomedical, cosmetic, and agriculture applications as an emerging field of investigation that can overall provide natural, safe, biodegradable, and sustainable molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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33 pages, 4037 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Floral Elegance Meets Medicinal Marvels: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of the Genus Lagerstroemia L.

by Ziwei Yue, Yan Xu, Ming Cai, Xiaohui Fan, Huitang Pan, Donglin Zhang and Qixiang Zhang

Plants 2024, 13(21), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213016 - 28 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1907

Abstract

The genus Lagerstroemia L. (Lythraceae), known for its exquisite flowers and prolonged flowering period, is commonly employed in traditional medicinal systems across Asian countries, where it has always been consumed as tea or employed to address ailments such as diabetes, urinary disorders, coughs, [...] Read more.

The genus Lagerstroemia L. (Lythraceae), known for its exquisite flowers and prolonged flowering period, is commonly employed in traditional medicinal systems across Asian countries, where it has always been consumed as tea or employed to address ailments such as diabetes, urinary disorders, coughs, fevers, inflammation, pain, and anesthesia. Its diverse uses may be attributed to its rich active ingredients. Currently, at least 364 biological compounds have been identified from Lagerstroemia extracts, encompassing various types such as terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids. Extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments have examined the pharmacological activities of different extracts, revealing their potential in various domains, including but not limited to antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, 20 core components have been proven to be associated with antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effects of Lagerstroemia. Overall, Lagerstroemia exhibit substantial medicinal potential, and the alignment between its traditional applications and contemporary pharmacological findings present promising opportunities for further investigation, particularly in food and health products, drug development, herbal teas, and cosmetics. However, evidence-based pharmacological research has largely been confined to in vitro screening and animal model, lacking clinical trials and bioactive compound isolations. Consequently, future endeavors should adopt a more holistic approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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11 pages, 3074 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Mitigating Effects of Perilla Leaf Essential Oil on the Phytotoxicity of Fenoxaprop-P-Ethyl in Rice Seedlings

by Jiuying Li, Yinghui Zhu, Lanlan Sun, Hongle Xu, Wangcang Su, Fei Xue, Chuantao Lu, Wenwei Tang and Renhai Wu

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2946; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202946 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (FE) can effectively control weeds in rice fields, but it has been found to cause phytotoxicity in rice. In this study, the phytotoxicity of FE was mitigated by perilla leaf essential oil (PEO) in rice seedlings. The injury recovery rates (IRRs) for [...] Read more.

Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (FE) can effectively control weeds in rice fields, but it has been found to cause phytotoxicity in rice. In this study, the phytotoxicity of FE was mitigated by perilla leaf essential oil (PEO) in rice seedlings. The injury recovery rates (IRRs) for shoot length and fresh weight treated with 800 mg/L of PEO were 101.51% and 99.05%, respectively. Moreover, the damage of s-metolachlor and pretilachlor was also alleviated when co-applied with 800 mg/L PEO; the IRR of s-metolachlor phytotoxicity was 26.07% and 27.34%, respectively, and the IRR of pretilachlor phytotoxicity was 127.27% and 124.39%, respectively. However, PEO had no significant effect on the phytotoxicity of pinoxaden, mesotrione, penoxsulam, mesosulfuron-methyl, and nicosulfuron. The results of GC–MS analysis showed that a total of 23 components were detected in PEO, among which linalool (36.49%), linalyl formate (26.96%), α-terpineol (10.63%), 2-hexanoylfuran (5.81%), geranyl acetate (4.13%), and neryl acetate (2.30%) were the primary components. Among them, 2-hexanoylfuran was the most effective component to alleviate FE damage, for which the IRR of shoot length and fresh weight was 73.17% and 73.02%, respectively, followed by the geranyl acetate, for which the IRR was 72.32% and 60.56%, respectively, and neryl acetate, for which the IRR was 65.28% and 58.11%, respectively. Furthermore, the application of 50 mg/L of 2-hexanofuran significantly improved the tolerance of shoot length and fresh weight to FE stress by factors of 5.32 and 5.35, respectively. This research demonstrates that PEO and 2-hexanoylfuran have the potential to serve as natural safeners to reduce phytotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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