Biological Activity of Plant Compounds and Extract, 3rd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The use of plants for their beneficial effects dates back to the first steps in human history, as shown by the Ebers Papyrus (1500 BC). Thus, the identification and classification of plant extracts and their compounds showing biological activity has attracted a huge number of ancient and modern researchers. However, after centuries of active research in this field and in spite of the remarkable recent advances in chemical synthesis, plants remain the most powerful and somewhat under-investigated source of bioactive molecules. In addition, in recent decades, the search for novel and more ecofriendly compounds has been strictly emphasised, thus further increasing the interest in plant metabolites. This is particularly true in some fields, such as pest control, in which botanical pesticides represent a valuable alternative to traditional chemicals since their use reduces the risk to non-target organisms and the probability of developing pest resistance.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect original research articles, as well as review articles, addressing recent advances in the extraction, purification, identification, and biochemical characterization of bioactive plant compounds. The in vitro and in vivo biological activities shown by plant extracts will be also considered. Besides the discovery of new potential drugs and healthy compounds, special interest will also be given to papers dealing with non-medical purposes. In this regard, studies on the use of plant extracts/compounds in pest management and food preservation are strongly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Gianluca Paventi
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Rotundo
Prof. Dr. Giacinto S. Germinara
Guest Editors

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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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.

•  antimicrobial activity
•  antiproliferative activity
•  anti-insect activity
•  insect repellence and attraction
•  enzyme inhibition
•  food deterrence
•  contact, ingestion, and inhalation toxicity
•  cytotoxicity
•  chemical identification of plant compounds
•  insect nutritional parameters
•  plant antioxidants
•  electroantennography
•  behavioural assays
•  pest control
•  food storage

• Biological Activity of Plant Compounds and Extracts in Molecules (23 articles)
• Biological Activity of Plant Compounds and Extracts, 2nd Edition in Molecules (12 articles)