Role of Natural Products in Health and Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products encompass a wide range of molecules derived from plants, animals, and micro-organisms, each having unique chemical compositions and biological activities. Moreover, it has been shown that in both conventional and modern medicine, plants constitute the most abundant source of pharmacological intermediates, food supplements, and chemical components for synthetic drugs, appearing to be used in both developing and developed countries. It has been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) that 80% of the world’s population relies mainly on traditional therapies which involve the use of plant extracts or their active substances. Significant research has been published in scientific literature regarding pharmacological effects of natural substances, including mainly their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer characteristics. There's also an explanation of the mechanisms of action behind the health benefits of natural products, i.e., modulation of cellular signaling pathways, improvement in immune functions, and control of oxidative stress. Synergistic interaction between several components of natural products, which include glycosides, terpenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, is an important characteristic. Natural products provide a useful way to create safe and efficient therapy strategies for many of civilization’s diseases. The unmet healthcare needs of the world's population might be fulfilled with more research and the extensive utilization of natural resources. The biomolecular evaluation of natural products is a key part of modern research, with the aim to maintaining health and averting illness.

Dr. Katarína Bauerová
Guest Editor

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• natural products
• health
• chronic diseases
• biomolecular research
• functional food
• oncology
• rheumatology
• infections
• inflammation
• autoimmunity