Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.7
4.8
Journals
Pharmaceuticals
Special Issues
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Preventing and Treating Inflammatory and Oxidative Diseases...
share announcement

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Preventing and Treating Inflammatory and Oxidative Diseases with Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 August 2026 | Viewed by 8820

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lucas Fornari Laurindo

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Interests: medicinal plants; bioactive compounds; phytochemicals; phytochemistry; cancer; metabolism; metabolic disorders; pharmacology; inflammation; oxidative stress; cardiovascular diseases; neurodegenerative diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sandra Barbalho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory for Systematic Investigations of Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
Interests: inflammatory diseases; cardiovascular diseases; neurodegenerative diseases; inflammation; medicinal plants; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to welcome you to contribute a paper to our Special Issue, with the utmost pride and deepest gratitude. Using an interdisciplinary, holistic view, this Special Issue delves into preventing and intervening in inflammatory and oxidative diseases using medicinal plants and bioactive compounds. Uncontrolled inflammation and oxidative stress are detrimental to the body’s homeostasis, leading to various diseases. Since ancient times, medicinal plants and phytochemicals have been used to treat multiple diseases, including those neurodegenerative and cardiovascular, as well as cancer and others. Medicinal plants and phytochemicals may be more cost-effective and present few adverse events, promoting synergism with conventional therapies. In today’s world, therapy often predisposes patients to be treated by multiple professionals who must work together to maintain results and rehabilitate patients. However, medicinal plants and phytochemicals are not as well funded by various medical specialties and other professions. Therefore, the main aim of this Special Issue is to contribute to the existent foundation regarding the use of medicinal plants and phytochemicals against multiple diseases and health conditions, especially those diseases which oblige patients to attend various medical specialties and professions, offering to you, erudite Authors, the challenge of proposing special studies in the field to promote a healthier, less-diseased future. We welcome original research studies and review articles. Translational research in the field is also welcome.

We appreciate your interest in our Special Issue and look forward to receiving your papers. Your contributions will make this project a success!

Dr. Lucas Fornari Laurindo
Dr. Sandra Barbalho
Guest Editors

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. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2900 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

  • interdisciplinary studies
  • inflammation
  • inflammatory diseases
  • oxidative stress
  • oxidative diseases
  • pro-inflammatory
  • pro-oxidative
  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • cancer
  • medicine
  • rheumatological diseases
  • endocrinological diseases
  • gastroenterological diseases
  • dermatological diseases
  • pulmonary diseases
  • dentistry
  • nutrition
  • dietetics
  • therapy
  • medicinal plants
  • bioactive compounds
  • phytochemicals
  • phytochemistry

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 (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

23 pages, 8228 KB  
Article
Danggui Buxue Tang, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula, Potentiates Paclitaxel Efficacy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Inducing Ferroptosis via the Nrf2/GPX4 Axis
by Guowei Gong, Tianpeng Yin, Zhenxia Zhang, Kumar Ganesan and Yuzhong Zheng
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040607 - 10 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involves oxidative stress and inflammation, driving chemoresistance. Paclitaxel (PTX), a first-line chemotherapy, is limited by these factors. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a polyphenolic-rich traditional Chinese herbal formula, was investigated for its ability to potentiate PTX efficacy by inducing [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involves oxidative stress and inflammation, driving chemoresistance. Paclitaxel (PTX), a first-line chemotherapy, is limited by these factors. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a polyphenolic-rich traditional Chinese herbal formula, was investigated for its ability to potentiate PTX efficacy by inducing ferroptosis via the Nrf2/GPX4 axis. Methods: Effects of DBT + PTX on cell viability, lipid peroxidation, iron accumulation, and Nrf2/GPX4/SLC7A11 expression were evaluated in A549/HCC827 cells with/without ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Findings were validated in an A549 xenograft model. Results: DBT significantly enhanced PTX’s anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo, an effect reversed by Fer-1. Combination therapy increased ROS, MDA, and iron while suppressing GPX4/SLC7A11 and promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. DBT + PTX synergistically reduced tumor volume and proliferation markers (Ki67/PCNA). Crucially, DBT attenuated PTX-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Conclusions: DBT potentiates PTX efficacy in NSCLC by disrupting the Nrf2/GPX4 axis to induce ferroptosis while mitigating chemotherapy-related toxicity, supporting its potential as an adjuvant strategy targeting oxidative stress pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches to Preventing and Treating Inflammatory and Oxidative Diseases with Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 4798 KB  
Article
Hepatoprotection by Naringin Nanoliposomes Against Nickel Toxicity Involves Antioxidant Reinforcement and Modulation of Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and Apoptotic Pathways
by Hussein Abdelaziz Abdalla, Ekramy M. Elmorsy, Najlaa M. M. Jawad, Nora Hosny, Ahmed S. Shams, Hamada S. Salem, Manal S. Fawzy and Mai A. Salem
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010051 - 25 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 708
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nickel exposure is a significant environmental and occupational risk factor associated with the onset and progression of chronic liver diseases due to its capacity to induce persistent oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocellular injury. This study aimed to evaluate the enhanced hepatoprotective and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nickel exposure is a significant environmental and occupational risk factor associated with the onset and progression of chronic liver diseases due to its capacity to induce persistent oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocellular injury. This study aimed to evaluate the enhanced hepatoprotective and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects of naringin-loaded nanoliposomes (NRG-NLPs), a novel nanoformulation designed to improve the bioavailability of naringin, a citrus-derived flavonoid phytochemical, against nickel sulfate (NiSO4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Methods: Ninety rats were allocated into six groups (n = 15 each): control, NRG, NRG-NLPs, NiSO4, NiSO4 + NRG, and NiSO4 + NRG-NLPs. Treatments consisted of oral administration of NRG or NRG-NLPs (80 mg/kg/day) and intraperitoneal injections of NiSO4 (20 mg/kg/day) for three weeks. Endpoints included assessment of growth performance, serum biochemistry, hepatic antioxidant status, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic gene expression, nickel tissue accumulation, and histopathological and ultrastructural liver changes. Results: NiSO4 exposure induced marked hepatic injury, evidenced by reduced body weight, adverse serum biochemical profiles, increased hepatic enzymes and bilirubin, elevated oxidative damage markers (MDA, protein carbonyls), increased proinflammatory cytokines, and upregulation of HMGB1, PI3K, mTOR, JAK/STAT, and proapoptotic genes, accompanied by aberrant nickel accumulation and severe histopathological alterations. Co-treatment with NRG-NLPs significantly ameliorated biochemical and histological disturbances, restored antioxidant defense systems (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, Nrf2, HO-1), and modulated key pathways of inflammation (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6), fibrosis (TGF-β), cell survival, and apoptosis more effectively than crude naringin. NRG-NLPs also substantially reduced hepatic nickel deposition and preserved near-normal liver architecture. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that nanoformulated naringin confers superior hepatoprotective benefits against nickel-induced liver injury through enhanced bioavailability and multi-pathway modulation, supporting its translational potential as a citrus-derived medicinal phytochemical and dietary bioactive for the prevention and therapeutic intervention of oxidative and inflammatory chronic liver disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches to Preventing and Treating Inflammatory and Oxidative Diseases with Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Other

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 3069 KB  
Systematic Review
Extraction Matrix Shapes the Efficacy of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in DSS-Induced Colitis: A Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Carlos R. Montes-de-Oca-Saucedo, Bruno Briceño-Villardaga, Sebastián R. Fuentes-Salinas and Adolfo Soto-Domínguez
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020277 - 6 Feb 2026
Viewed by 572
Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by mucosal injury and immune dysregulation. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) shows therapeutic potential, but extraction-dependent reproducibility remains unclear. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies evaluating GQD aqueous [...] Read more.
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by mucosal injury and immune dysregulation. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) shows therapeutic potential, but extraction-dependent reproducibility remains unclear. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies evaluating GQD aqueous decoctions or ethanolic extracts in DSS-induced colitis. Main outcome: Disease Activity Index (DAI). Key additional outcomes: colon length and histological injury; cytokines and microbiota were also assessed. Random-effects models with Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman adjustment, subgroup analyses, and exploratory dose–response meta-regression were applied. Results: Eight studies were included (aqueous: 5; ethanolic: 3; 209 mice). GQD significantly improved DAI (SMD −2.17; p < 0.00001; I2 = 43%), colon length (MD 1.18 cm; p < 0.00001; I2 = 88%), and histological injury (SMD −3.02; p < 0.0001; I2 = 51%). For DAI, both preparations favored GQD, with absent heterogeneity in aqueous studies (I2 = 0%) vs. substantial variability in ethanolic extracts (I2 = 75%). For histology, subgroup differences suggested a larger effect size with ethanolic extracts, with higher heterogeneity (I2 = 60% vs. 0%). In the aqueous subset, GQD reduced inflammatory markers and increased microbial diversity. Dose–response meta-regression was performed within the aqueous subset as an exploratory analysis. Conclusions: Aqueous decoctions showed the most reproducible profile across key endpoints, whereas ethanolic extracts were more variable despite a larger histology point estimate, indicating that the extraction matrix meaningfully influences translational consistency in preclinical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches to Preventing and Treating Inflammatory and Oxidative Diseases with Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 6502 KB  
Systematic Review
Investigating the Health Potential of Mentha Species Against Gastrointestinal Disorders—A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
by Mariana Hirata, Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Victória Dogani Rodrigues, Flávia Cristina Castilho Caracio, Vitor Engrácia Valenti, Eliana de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli Pereira, Rodrigo Haber Mellem, Cláudia Rucco Penteado Detregiachi, Manuela dos Santos Bueno, Leila Maria Guissoni Campos, Caio Sérgio Galina Spilla and Sandra Maria Barbalho
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050693 - 8 May 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6758
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Gastrointestinal disorders include a broad spectrum of clinical conditions due to various symptoms. Abdominal pain claims attention as it can be associated with multiple diseases, and some of them can lead to chronic abdominal pain, such as chronic gastritis and irritable bowel [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Gastrointestinal disorders include a broad spectrum of clinical conditions due to various symptoms. Abdominal pain claims attention as it can be associated with multiple diseases, and some of them can lead to chronic abdominal pain, such as chronic gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, dyspepsia is also a prevalent condition, and its symptoms are postprandial fullness, epigastric pain or burn, and early satiety. Conventional therapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal disorders exist, but the Mentha plant has a millenary tradition. Mentha aerial parts and leaves hold therapeutic and pharmacological value, and its components are characterized as non-essential oil with superabundant phenolic compounds, and essential oil classified as volatile secondary metabolites like menthol and menthone. Studies have shown that Mentha species can exert benefits by modulating the inflammatory process and scavenging free radicals, which can benefit gastrointestinal tract disorders. The aim of this review was to systematically investigate the effects of Mentha species on gastrointestinal disorders. Methods: Sixteen clinical trials included patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain, as well as some healthy volunteers. The COCHRANE tool was utilized to assess the bias of the included studies. Results: Most studies reported significant outcomes for Mentha oil-treated groups, such as better control of abdominal pain and discomfort, even though two trials did not report superior outcomes. Conclusions: Due to the increasing interest in natural compounds, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the status of Mentha for improvement in gastrointestinal disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches to Preventing and Treating Inflammatory and Oxidative Diseases with Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop