Biological and Pharmacological Activity of Plant Natural Compounds II

Dear Colleagues,

Plants contain a plethora of diverse biochemical compounds. They are molecules which are necessary for plant survival, but they can also have a different fate: helping in the fight against human diseases. For centuries, humanity has used plant natural extracts to cure the most varied disorders, including cardiac disfunction, neoplasia, diabetes, circulation problems, and many others. However, only in recent decades have these ethnotraditional, evidenced-based, folkloric, anecdotic uses been converted into a scientific tool, with a real pharmacological, pathophysiological, and rational background. Despite strong advances in medicine, numerous diseases remain without practical treatment or have to deal with heavy drug side effects. In this regard, any effort to improve human health is a new path to follow, and plant natural compounds represent an infinite reserve of molecules that can be explored. Undeniably, many therapeutic properties of plants are still to be discovered. This Special Issue is intended to substantially contribute to our knowledge on their curative properties.   

The Special Issue aims to uncover novel unconventional, alternative, and original characteristics of plant-derived compounds with a distinctive emphasis on biological and pharmacological activities. Moreover, phytocomplex (chemical compounds derived in full from plants) synergic effects, as well as the effects of single molecules will be explored in preclinical models, including normal and cancer cells, animals, and human-derived samples. Reviews investigating plant product effects and/or describing the state-of-the-art are welcome, considering the increasing role of plant-derived molecules in daily use.

Prof. Dr. Raffaele Pezzani
Prof. Dr. Sara Vitalini
Guest Editors

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