Bioactive Compounds: Isolation, Identification and Application

Dear Colleagues,

The term biologically active compounds mainly indicates secondary plant metabolites (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids) which favor various physiological functions positively. In this regard, some of them act as antioxidant agents and can thus decrease the risk of various diseases, others stimulate defense mechanisms, prevent widespread damage or improve cell repair. In addition to traditional nutrients, biologically active compounds are contained in so-called "functional foods" and provide a variety of compounds with different structures, from small molecules to high-molecular-weight polymers. To date, a large number of studies have been conducted using pharmacological models (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) which have shown that the consumption of bioactive products has a fundamental role in the prevention of many human diseases. In parallel, numerous studies have been conducted for the development of model systems to accurately evaluate the functional and health properties of pools of biologically active compounds extracted from plant matrices.

The main objective of this Special Issue is to collect the most recent and innovative discoveries concerning the mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds with possible preventive roles towards human health and well-being. Furthermore, the aim is to disseminate more sustainable and selective extraction and isolation techniques as well as more reliable and accurate analytical methods. This is a good opportunity for researchers in the field to present their latest findings in basic and translational research on the functions of biologically active compounds to a wider audience of readers.

Potential topics may include, but are not limited to, the following keywords: 

• secondary metabolites;
• functional foods;
• biological and pharmacological activity;
• toxicological evaluation;
• selective extraction and isolation techniques of bioactive compounds.

Dr. Rosanna Mallamaci
Prof. Dr. Filomena Conforti
Guest Editors

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