Mechanistic Insights, Therapeutic Potential, and Applications of Natural Bioactive Compounds

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndromes often stem from the interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses, leading to cellular damage. Concurrently, inflammation is a critical biological response to harmful stimuli; however, dysregulated or chronic inflammation can perpetuate tissue injury and disease progression. Together, these processes form a vicious cycle that exacerbates pathophysiological conditions. Natural bioactive compounds derived from plants and other natural sources have gained significant attention for their dual roles as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These compounds not only mitigate oxidative damage by modulating redox homeostasis but also target key inflammatory pathways, offering a multifaceted approach to disease prevention and treatment. Importantly, their structural diversity, wide range of molecular targets, and relatively low toxicity, make them promising candidates for drug discovery and therapeutic development. This Special Issue aims to explore the mechanistic insights, therapeutic potential, and applications of natural bioactive compounds in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. We welcome original research and review articles focusing on the discovery of novel compounds, elucidation of their mechanisms of action, and their roles in disease management, including applications in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and cell fate regulation. Studies integrating natural compounds into combination therapies and addressing synergistic effects are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Jianqiang Xu
Dr. Yanshuo Han
Guest Editors

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