Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2025 | Viewed by 3856

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Maurizio Battino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Sez-Biochimica, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60100 Ancona, Italy
Interests: nutrition; periodontal diseases/periodontitis; oxidative stress; aging; mitochondrial function and diseases; berries (strawberry, blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, etc.); olive oil (dietary fats); honey; polyphenols; flavonoids; antioxidants; apoptosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since its founding, IJMS has served as a multidisciplinary platform for publishing innovative studies that explore molecular-level mechanisms in biology, medicine, chemistry, and beyond.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), this Special Issue aims to honor the journal’s long-standing contribution to the development of the field of bioactive compounds and nutraceutical products science, while highlighting current trends and future perspectives.

We welcome the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications that reflect the breadth and evolution of molecular sciences. We encourage the submission of contributions that all major thematic areas covered by bioactives and nutraceuticals, including but not limited to the following:

the discovery of novel bioactive natural products;
the role of these products in manipulating food structure and hence potential physiological mediation for human nutrition;
the use of in vitro and in vivo bioactivity research using cell lines and animal models as exemplars of human physiology.

This Special Issue provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the scientific progress of the past 25 years, but also offers an overview of novel insights, methods and interdisciplinary approaches in the field of active compounds and nutrition. We invite scientists active in the field to provide the community with outstanding contributions that will enrich the IJMS “25th Anniversary” Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Maurizio Battino
Guest Editor

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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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.

Keywords

natural products
bioactive
nutraceutical
nutrient
health
dietary
functional food
vitamins
phytochemicals

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

23 pages, 2237 KB

Open AccessArticle

Discovery of Undescribed Clerodane Diterpenoids with Antimicrobial Activity Isolated from the Roots of Solidago gigantea Ait

by Márton Baglyas, Zoltán Bozsó, Ildikó Schwarczinger, Péter G. Ott, József Bakonyi, András Darcsi and Ágnes M. Móricz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 9187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26189187 - 20 Sep 2025

Viewed by 232

Abstract

Three previously undescribed clerodane diterpenoids, including two cis-clerodanes, solidagolactone IX (1) and solidagoic acid K (2), and one trans-clerodane, solidagodiol (3), along with two known cis-clerodane diterpenoids, (−)-(5R,8R,9R,10S)-15,16-epoxy-ent-neo-cleroda-3,13,14-trien-18-ol (4) and solidagoic acid J (5), were isolated and comprehensively characterized from the ethanolic and ethyl acetate root extract of Solidago gigantea Ait. (giant goldenrod). Compound 4 has previously been reported from the roots of this species, whereas compound 5 was identified from the leaves of S. gigantea but not from the roots. The bioassay-guided isolation involved thin-layer chromatography–direct bioautography (TLC–DB) with a Bacillus subtilis antibacterial assay, preparative flash column chromatography, and TLC–mass spectrometry (MS). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds (1–5) were elucidated through extensive in-depth spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses, including one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy. Their antimicrobial activities were evaluated using in vitro microdilution assays against B. subtilis and different plant pathogens. Compound 3 was the most active against the tested Gram-positive strains, exerting particularly potent effects against Clavibacter michiganensis with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 5.1 µM as well as B. subtilis and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (MIC 21 µM for both). Compound 4 also strongly inhibited the growth of C. michiganensis (MIC 6.3 µM). Compounds 2, 4, and 5 displayed moderate to weak activity against B. subtilis and C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens with MIC values ranging from 100 to 402 µM. Rhodococcus fascians bacteria were moderately inhibited by compounds 3 (MIC 41 µM) and 4 (MIC 201 µM). Bactericidal activity was observed for compound 3 against C. michiganensis with a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 83 µM. Compounds 2 and 3 demonstrated weak antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum. Our findings underscore the value of bioassay-guided approaches in discovering previously undescribed bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6284 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrative Evidence on Mulberry Extract for Modulating Metabolic Risk Factors Associated with Vascular Dementia

by Jui-Ting Yu, Chen-Pi Li, Yao Hsiao, Kuan-Po Cheng and Ru-Yin Tsai

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178380 - 28 Aug 2025

Viewed by 940

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of conditions that commonly occur together, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). These factors collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Recent research has identified a connection between metabolic syndrome and cognitive disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia (VaD). Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties. This meta-analysis assessed the potential of mulberry extract as an adjunctive treatment for metabolic risk factors linked to vascular dementia. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to May 2025 that compared mulberry extract to placebo or standard care in adults with metabolic disorders. Fifteen trials including 1202 participants met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were fasting glucose, fasting insulin, liver enzyme levels, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The pooled results indicated that mulberry supplementation improved blood sugar control and lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and inflammatory markers. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) improved, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed no significant change. Subgroup analyses revealed that greater benefits were associated with shorter treatment durations and doses below 500 milligrams per day. Furthermore, extracts from different parts of the mulberry plant showed varying effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. None of the included trials directly measured cognitive or neurovascular outcomes, so any potential neurovascular protection is inferred from changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers rather than demonstrated. In summary, these findings suggest that mulberry extract may be a promising complementary approach for managing metabolic risk factors in people at risk for VaD. However, further large-scale and rigorously designed studies are required to confirm its clinical benefits and to identify the most effective preparations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 1381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Transport of Ferula persica L. Bioactive Compounds

by Pouya Mohammadnezhad, Alberto Valdés, Melis Cokdinleyen, Jose A. Mendiola and Alejandro Cifuentes

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8017; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168017 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 598

Abstract

Species of the Ferula genus are known for their traditional medicinal applications against diverse illnesses. Our previous study was the first to suggest the cholinesterase inhibitory activity of Ferula persica L. However, the neuroprotective efficacy of therapeutic molecules is often limited by their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reach the brain. In the present study, the BBB permeability of the main molecules present in the aerial parts and roots of F. persica L. extracted under optimum conditions was assessed using two well-established methods: the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) and the HBMEC cell culture in vitro model. The results demonstrated a high permeability of several neuroprotective compounds, such as apigenin, diosmetin, and α-cyperone. Additionally, the neuroprotective potential of F. persica extracts was evaluated using SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells exposed to different insults, including oxidative stress (H₂O₂), excitotoxicity (L-glutamate), and Aβ1-42 peptide toxicity. However, none of the obtained extracts provided significant protection. This study highlights the importance of in vitro cell culture models for a better understanding of BBB permeability mechanisms and reports the tentative identification of newly formed sulfated metabolites derived from the metabolism of ferulic acid, apigenin, and diosmetin by HBMEC cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Extra Virgin Olive Oil Supplementation Enhances Offspring Immune Function: A Preclinical Study

by Sonia Zhan-Dai, Blanca Grases-Pintó, Adriana García-Vara, Ruth Ferrer, Raquel Martín-Venegas, Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós, Margarida Castell, Francisco J. Pérez-Cano, Anna Vallverdú-Queralt and Maria J. Rodríguez-Lagunas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167946 - 18 Aug 2025

Viewed by 510

Abstract

Maternal diet influences offspring development, immune function, and intestinal health. This study investigates the effects of maternal supplementation with a key component of the Mediterranean Diet, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), on the immune health of offspring at the end of lactation. Lewis rat dams received either refined olive oil (ROO), EVOO, or water (REF) during gestation and lactation. Plasma immunoglobulin G2c (IgG2c) concentration was elevated in pups born to EVOO-supplemented mothers, indicating enhanced immune development. Histological analysis of the small intestine revealed more goblet cells in the EVOO group, indicating a potential positive effect on the intestinal barrier function. In vitro assays showed that EVOO metabolites did not display cytotoxicity and had improved barrier integrity under a stress stimulus. These findings suggest that maternal EVOO supplementation may have beneficial effects on immune and intestinal development and health in offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 2676 KB

Open AccessReview

Anticancer Activity of the Marine-Derived Compound Bryostatin 1: Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation

by Tomasz Kowalczyk, Marek Staszewski, Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka, Joanna Sikora, Catarina Amaro, Laurent Picot and Przemysław Sitarek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167765 - 11 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 787

Abstract

Bryostatin 1, a natural macrolide isolated from Bugula neritina, is a potent modulator of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms with promising anticancer properties. In numerous in vitro studies, bryostatin 1 has been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce differentiation and apoptotic cell death in a wide range of cell lines, including leukemia, lymphoma, glioma, and solid tumors such as ovarian and breast cancer. Its antitumor activity, both as monotherapy and in combination with conventional chemotherapy, has been confirmed in in vivo models, where synergistic effects have been observed, including sensitization of tumor cells to cytostatic agents. Despite promising preclinical findings, phase I and II clinical trials have not yielded the expected results, suggesting limited efficacy of the macrolide as a single agent with a relatively favorable safety profile. Current research directions focus on optimizing dosing regimens, combining bryostatin 1 with other anticancer drugs and identifying predictive biomarkers of response. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the anticancer effects of bryostatin 1, analyzing available data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials and discussing potential directions for further translational research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

IJMS 25th Anniversary: Updates and Progress on Bioactives and Nutraceuticals

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI