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Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals
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Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals

A special issue of Nutraceuticals (ISSN 1661-3821).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 19197

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ivan Cruz-Chamorro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
Interests: functional foods; protein hydrolysate; antioxidant; immunomodulation; natural extracts; biopeptides; lupine; hemp
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Nutraceuticals is dedicated to showcasing high-quality feature review papers that offer comprehensive and critical insights into current advances, challenges, and future directions in the field of nutraceuticals. With the growing global interest in the health benefits of bioactive compounds, functional foods, and dietary supplements, this issue aims to provide a collection of reviews authored by experts in this field. Topics will cover the full spectrum of nutraceutical research, including their biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, regulatory considerations, and applications in disease prevention and health promotion.

By highlighting pivotal developments and synthesizing the latest findings, this Special Issue seeks to elevate the visibility and impact of Nutraceuticals, fostering a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in this rapidly evolving domain.

Topics of Interest Include, but Are Not Limited To:

  • Recent trends and future perspectives in nutraceutical science;
  • Mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds;
  • Nutraceuticals in chronic disease prevention and management;
  • Advances in formulation and delivery systems;
  • Regulatory frameworks and safety assessments;
  • Market trends and consumer behavior;
  • Nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition.

Researchers are invited to contribute review articles that offer in-depth analysis, identify knowledge gaps, and propose directions for future research. Submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure scientific excellence and relevance.

Prof. Dr. Ivan Cruz-Chamorro
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Nutraceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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.

Keywords

  • nutraceuticals
  • bioactive compounds
  • chronic disease
  • nutrigenomics

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

Published Papers (7 papers)

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43 pages, 5047 KB  
Review
Silymarin as a Redox-Signalling and Proteostasis Modulator
by José Manuel Pérez de la Lastra, Celia María Curieses Andrés, Elena Bustamante Munguira, Celia Andrés Juan and Eduardo Pérez Lebeña
Nutraceuticals 2026, 6(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals6020025 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 267 | Correction
Abstract
Silymarin (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. extract) is a widely used botanical for liver disease, yet clinical results remain inconsistent. Most mechanistic work uses supraphysiological aglycones, whereas humans are exposed predominantly to phase II conjugates that are strongly protein-bound and routed by transporters [...] Read more.
Silymarin (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. extract) is a widely used botanical for liver disease, yet clinical results remain inconsistent. Most mechanistic work uses supraphysiological aglycones, whereas humans are exposed predominantly to phase II conjugates that are strongly protein-bound and routed by transporters toward bile and the intestinal mucosa. We reframe silymarin activity through a spatial pharmacology lens, proposing three post-intake windows: early (0–2 h) conjugate-dominant exposure with localised β-glucuronidase-mediated reactivation; intermediate (2–8 h) enterohepatic recirculation pulses; and late (8–48 h) microbial catabolite contributions. Each window engages distinct signalling modules—Keap1/NRF2, NF-κB, and AMPK-mTOR-TFEB—via transient redox events (quinone cycling, micro-H2O2 relays) and proteostatic remodelling (autophagy/mitophagy). We synthesise human pharmacokinetic and clinical evidence—with emphasis on MASLD and alcohol-associated liver disease—and show how formulation, meal timing, and microbiome metabotype determine which windows are engaged. Finally, we propose minimum reporting standards and falsifiable hypotheses to reduce between-study heterogeneity and enable precision use of silymarin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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27 pages, 1633 KB  
Review
The Role of Different Dietary Fibers in Modulating Human Gut Microbiota
by Subir Das, CheKenna J. Fletcher and Ying Wu
Nutraceuticals 2026, 6(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals6010018 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1533
Abstract
Dietary fiber (DF) has a profound influence on human health mainly by modulating the gut microbiota. This review provides an overview of DF derived from cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, fungi, and seaweeds, specifically addressing the relationship between microbial utilization and source-specific structural characteristics [...] Read more.
Dietary fiber (DF) has a profound influence on human health mainly by modulating the gut microbiota. This review provides an overview of DF derived from cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, fungi, and seaweeds, specifically addressing the relationship between microbial utilization and source-specific structural characteristics (such as linking patterns, conformation, solubility, and fermentability). Due to these structural properties, different DFs display selective microbial responses that favor fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These microbial responses and fermentation-derived metabolites associated with DF intake may contribute to reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and other chronic disorders. This review does not address the trial heterogeneity, dose response, safety, and conflicting evidence, and much of the available evidence is largely observational and heterogeneous. Future studies should focus on dose–response trials of defined DF structures with standardized microbiome and metabolomic endpoints, including validation in human interventions. This review summarizes the DF source and structure, selective changes in the microbiota across various study types, including in vitro, animal models, and human studies, and how these relate to overall health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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46 pages, 2084 KB  
Review
The Medicinal Landscape of Chrysanthemum indicum L.: Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Modern Evidence
by Gavin Liu, Elena-Alexandra Alexa and Tao Zhang
Nutraceuticals 2026, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals6010017 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 751
Abstract
Chrysanthemum indicum L. (C. indicum), a perennial herb widely distributed across East Asia, has long been utilised in traditional medicine and as a functional food ingredient. Contemporary research has revealed a chemically diverse phytochemical profile, dominated by flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpene [...] Read more.
Chrysanthemum indicum L. (C. indicum), a perennial herb widely distributed across East Asia, has long been utilised in traditional medicine and as a functional food ingredient. Contemporary research has revealed a chemically diverse phytochemical profile, dominated by flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpene lactones, essential oils, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, which collectively underpin its broad pharmacological potential. Experimental studies demonstrate that extracts and isolated constituents of C. indicum exert pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo, often through modulation of key molecular pathways such as NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasomes, AMPK–SIRT1, and Nrf2 signalling. Emerging pharmacokinetic evidence indicates variable oral bioavailability and metabolic transformation of major bioactive compounds, highlighting formulation challenges that may influence therapeutic efficacy. Toxicological studies suggest a generally favourable safety profile at traditionally used doses, although long-term and clinical safety data remain limited. Regulatory positioning varies internationally, with applications spanning traditional herbal preparations, dietary supplements and functional foods. Despite promising preclinical findings, significant challenges persist, including chemical standardisation, bioavailability optimisation, mechanistic clarification and the paucity of well-designed clinical trials. This review critically synthesises current knowledge on the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, safety considerations and regulatory landscape of C. indicum, identifying key research gaps and outlining future directions to support its evidence-based development as a therapeutic and dietary agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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40 pages, 4234 KB  
Review
Advances in Analytical Methods for Quality Control and Authentication of Nutraceuticals: A Comprehensive Review
by Gergana Kirilova Kirova
Nutraceuticals 2026, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals6010005 - 12 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1729
Abstract
Nutraceuticals are food-based products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition and play an increasingly important role in preventive healthcare. Ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy is critical as the global market expands. A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of [...] Read more.
Nutraceuticals are food-based products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition and play an increasingly important role in preventive healthcare. Ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy is critical as the global market expands. A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using keywords such as ‘nutraceuticals,’ functional foods,’ and ‘quality control,’ with studies selected based on their focus on methods for standardization, characterization, and quality assessment. This review summarizes current analytical approaches, including spectroscopic, chromatographic, and techniques for elemental analysis, highlighting their applications in compound identification, quantification, detection of adulterants, and overall quality control. Emerging challenges and future trends, such as the integration of chemometrics and real-time analytical strategies, are also discussed, providing a comprehensive perspective on the evolving field of nutraceutical analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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44 pages, 7861 KB  
Review
Colourimetric Assays for Assessing Polyphenolic Phytonutrients with Nutraceutical Applications: History, Guidelines, Mechanisms, and Critical Evaluation
by Joseph Robert Nastasi
Nutraceuticals 2025, 5(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals5040040 - 28 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3118
Abstract
High-throughput colourimetric assays are widely used to screen phenolic phytonutrients in foods and plants, supporting discovery, quality control, and preliminary nutraceutical assessment. This review summarises the historical development, operating principles, and limitations of phenolic-based benchtop methods, and reports practical guidance for defensible application. [...] Read more.
High-throughput colourimetric assays are widely used to screen phenolic phytonutrients in foods and plants, supporting discovery, quality control, and preliminary nutraceutical assessment. This review summarises the historical development, operating principles, and limitations of phenolic-based benchtop methods, and reports practical guidance for defensible application. The following colourimetric approaches are critically evaluated: Folin–Ciocalteu for total phenolics; AlCl3-based and alternative total flavonoid methods; the pH-differential procedure for total monomeric anthocyanins; and tannin assays including vanillin–HCl, butanol–HCl (Porter), DMACA, protein-precipitation, and hydrolysable-tannin (rhodanine/ellagic-acid) protocols. For each method, common biases are identified, matrix interferences, reagent cross-reactivity, oxidative artefacts, dependence on calibration standard, and the chemical meaning of the readout is clarified. A best-practice framework is proposed: define the analytical target; pair complementary assays; pre-clean extracts; justify standards and wavelengths; control oxidation; validate spike-recovery and conversion checks; and contextualise outcomes using functional measures. A consistent conclusion emerges: no single method quantifies “total tannins” or “total flavonoids” across diverse matrices, and transparent reporting with method triangulation is essential for comparability and credible nutraceutical interpretation. The guidance consolidated here aims to standardise practice, minimise over- and underestimation artefacts, and strengthen the evidentiary value of data in food and nutraceutical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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17 pages, 761 KB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Gastrointestinal Diseases
by Meng Tong Zhu and Jonathan Wei Jie Lee
Nutraceuticals 2025, 5(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals5030019 - 24 Jul 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6779
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites derived from the fermentation of dietary fibre by gut bacteria. SCFAs function as essential regulators of host-microbiome interactions by participating in numerous physiological and pathological processes within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In recent years, the depletion of [...] Read more.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites derived from the fermentation of dietary fibre by gut bacteria. SCFAs function as essential regulators of host-microbiome interactions by participating in numerous physiological and pathological processes within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In recent years, the depletion of SCFAs has been increasingly linked to the pathogenesis of GI diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of SCFAs in GI diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and acute pancreatitis. We next highlight potential therapeutic approaches that increase the endogenous production of SCFAs, including prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We conclude that, although SCFAs are promising therapeutic agents, further research is necessary due to variability in treatment efficacy, inconsistent clinical outcomes, and a limited understanding of SCFAs’ mechanisms of action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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Other

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35 pages, 876 KB  
Systematic Review
The Pharmaceutical Potential of α- and β-Amyrins
by Tran Duc Viet, La Hoang Anh, Tran Dang Xuan and Ngo Duy Dong
Nutraceuticals 2025, 5(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals5030021 - 8 Aug 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3991
Abstract
Plant-derived pharmaceuticals represent a highly compelling area of research and continue to attract significant interest from countries, regions, scientific communities, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Among these, α- and β-amyrins have been identified as high-value triterpenoid compounds with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic [...] Read more.
Plant-derived pharmaceuticals represent a highly compelling area of research and continue to attract significant interest from countries, regions, scientific communities, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Among these, α- and β-amyrins have been identified as high-value triterpenoid compounds with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, analgesic, antigout, neuroprotective, anti-Parkinsonian, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-HIV activities. Relevant information and data were obtained through comprehensive searches of major scientific databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, and the National Library of Medicine. This study highlighted the pharmaceutical potential of α- and β-amyrins, supported by specific evidence from in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trials. Various extraction methods for α- and β-amyrins are discussed, followed by recommendations for future directions in the development of these compounds as pharmaceutical agents and functional food ingredients. This review highlights the therapeutic of α- and β-amyrin compounds in the prevention and treatment of various serious diseases worldwide, potentially opening new opportunities and directions for the pharmaceutical industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nutraceuticals)
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