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Pharmaceuticals
Special Issues
Plant Extracts with Biological Activity and Potential Antioxidant Action
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Plant Extracts with Biological Activity and Potential Antioxidant Action

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2026 | Viewed by 2711

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Claudia-Crina Toma

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, L. Rebreanu Street, No. 87, 310048 Arad, Romania
Interests: medicinal plants; plant extracts; gemmotherapy; homeopathy; natural bioactive compounds; essential oils; antioxidant activity; antiproliferative activity; anti-inflammatory properties
Prof. Dr. Giancarlo Statti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: medicinal plants; plant extracts; natural bioactive compounds; essential oils; nutraceuticals; antioxidant activity; antiproliferative activity; anti-inflammatory properties; photocytotoxic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Filomena Conforti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, I-87036 Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: phytochemical compounds; ethnopharmacology; alimurgic plants; biological activity of natural compounds; phytocosmetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mariangela Marrelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: medicinal plants; plant extracts; natural bioactive compounds; essential oils; nutraceuticals; antioxidant activity; antiproliferative activity; anti-inflammatory properties; photocytotoxic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Cerasela Elena Gîrd

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, T. Vuia Street, No. 6, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: medicinal plants; plant extracts; natural bioactive compounds; essential oils; antioxidant activity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress, infections, and proliferative actions are well-known contributors to the pathogenesis of different diseases. Moreover, the beneficial effects of botanicals and diet-sourced antioxidants on human health have attracted significant attention in recent decades. In addition to their role as endogenous antioxidants, exogenous compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tocopherols found in foodstuffs, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals, are also important in counteracting the effects of reactive oxygen species.

Thus, non-conventional “green” extraction techniques, characterized by high extraction efficiency and efficacy, aim to impart selectivity and optimize the sensitivity of various methodologies. These techniques enable the ability to obtain an increased concentration of antioxidant compounds in plant extracts. Furthermore, better-performing analytical methods for the assessment of the antioxidant capacity of botanicals are currently being developed.

We are pleased to invite you to participate in this Special Issue by submitting research articles, reviews, or short communications concerning the extraction, isolation, and structural determination of antioxidant secondary metabolites and their biological activities. Submissions may include in vitro or in vivo evaluations of their potential beneficial effects on human health. We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Claudia-Crina Toma
Prof. Dr. Giancarlo Statti
Dr. Filomena Conforti
Dr. Mariangela Marrelli
Prof. Dr. Cerasela Elena Gîrd
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

  • phenolic compounds
  • flavonoids
  • vegetal growth factors
  • oxidative stress
  • plant primary metabolites
  • plant secondary metabolites
  • nutraceuticals

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 3863 KB  
Article
Technological Optimization and Antioxidant Efficacy via the NRF-2-Mediated Defense Pathway of Corylus avellana L. Skin Extracts: A Sustainable Approach for Developing Health-Promoting Natural Products
by Immacolata Faraone, Maria Ponticelli, Claudia Mangieri, Ilaria Nigro, Ludovica Lela, Antonio Vassallo, Carlo Cosentino, Nikolay T. Tzvetkov, Vittorio Carlucci, Maria Francesca Armentano and Luigi Milella
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040539 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The valorization of bioactive compounds from food industry by-products aligns with sustainable development goals and represents a strategy for obtaining functional ingredients. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) skins are a phenolic-rich residue with high antioxidant potential, but their extraction conditions and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The valorization of bioactive compounds from food industry by-products aligns with sustainable development goals and represents a strategy for obtaining functional ingredients. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) skins are a phenolic-rich residue with high antioxidant potential, but their extraction conditions and cellular mechanisms of action remain insufficiently explored. Methods: Ultrasound-assisted extraction was optimized using a 33 Full Factorial Design (FFD) by investigating temperature (30–50–70 °C), extraction time (1–2–3 h), and solvent composition (water/ethanol). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using multiple in vitro assays, including Total Phenolic Content (TPC), DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) assays. The optimized extract (OE) was chemically characterized by UHPLC–MS/MS and its activity was evaluated in HepG2 cells for biocompatibility, modulation of intracellular ROS levels, and antioxidant pathway activation. Results: Optimal extraction conditions were identified as 30 °C, 70.86 min (1.181 h), and 21.13% ethanol (v/v), yielding an extract with enhanced antioxidant capacity. UHPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed 25 bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, relevant for oxidative stress modulation. The extract significantly reduced tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH)-induced intracellular ROS levels, restoring antioxidant proteins involved in the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2)-mediated defense pathway. Conclusions: The optimized hazelnut skin extract combines strong antioxidant efficacy with cellular compatibility, supporting its potential application as a functional ingredient for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical strategies targeting oxidative stress-related conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts with Biological Activity and Potential Antioxidant Action)
14 pages, 40755 KB  
Article
Triticum vulgare Extract Treatment in UVB-Exposed Human Dermal Fibroblasts Modulates Inflammation, Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Markers
by Concetta Sozio, Stefano Caccavale, Eugenia Veronica Di Brizzi, Margherita Auriemma, Maddalena Nicoletti, Giuseppe Argenziano, Ciro Menale and Anna Balato
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020232 - 29 Jan 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: UVB radiation triggers oxidative stress, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in dermal fibroblasts, contributing to skin aging and fibrosis. Plant-derived extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may counteract these effects. This study evaluated the protective role of Damor Triticum vulgare [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: UVB radiation triggers oxidative stress, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in dermal fibroblasts, contributing to skin aging and fibrosis. Plant-derived extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may counteract these effects. This study evaluated the protective role of Damor Triticum vulgare Aqueous Extract (DTVE) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) exposed to UVB. Methods: Primary HDFs were irradiated with UVB (1.50 J/m2) and treated with DTVE either after irradiation (post-ir) or before and after irradiation (pre-ir). Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT assays. Inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis-related genes, p21 expression, mitochondrial ROS (MitoSOX) and αSMA accumulation were quantified by qRT-PCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence. Results: DTVE was not cytotoxic and preserved HDF viability under UVB exposure. UVB significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, profibrotic markers, αSMA, mitochondrial ROS and p21. DTVE reduced all these UVB-induced alterations, with the pre-ir regimen providing the strongest protection. The extract attenuated early inflammatory activation, limited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress while reducing p21 upregulation. Conclusions: DTVE exerts protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in UVB-exposed fibroblasts, particularly when used as pretreatment. These findings support DTVE as a promising candidate to mitigate UVB-induced dermal damage and warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts with Biological Activity and Potential Antioxidant Action)
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13 pages, 944 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Screening by HRLC–MS/MS (Q-TOF) and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Thottea sivarajanii Leaf Extract
by Pooja Mohan Padmalayam, Aswathi Moothakoottil Kuttithodi, Alby Tom, Joice Tom Job, Satheesh George and Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(12), 1794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121794 - 25 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background: Numerous degenerative diseases are brought on by inflammation and oxidative stress. Metabolites from plants contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Indigenous and understudied, Thottea sivarajanii is a significant ethnobotanical herb. It is native to the Western Ghats and belongs to the Aristolochiaceae [...] Read more.
Background: Numerous degenerative diseases are brought on by inflammation and oxidative stress. Metabolites from plants contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Indigenous and understudied, Thottea sivarajanii is a significant ethnobotanical herb. It is native to the Western Ghats and belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family. Objectives: The current study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of T. sivarajanii leaf methanol extract (TSL) and the insights provided by phytochemical analysis. Methods: The HRLC–MS/MS (Q-TOF) study is used for the phytochemical analysis. The antioxidant efficacy is evaluated in terms of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, and reducing power (FRAP assay). In vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated on RAW 264.7 cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Result: The HRLC–MS/MS (Q-TOF) study indicated the presence of bioactive molecules such as ursolic acid, Daidzein 4’,7-diglucoside, Calophyllin B, and Berbamine, etc. The results showed in vitro antioxidant capacity in DPPH, and ABTS, radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing activities with respective IC50 and EC50 values of 184.5 ± 2.4, 24.15 ± 0.13, and 4.94 ± 0.32 µg/mL, respectively. LPS significantly stimulated the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.001). Treatment with TSL reduced levels of IL-1β and IL-6 from 776.1 ± 11.4 and 1678.1 ± 12.4 to 195.4 ± 9.2 and 465.4 ± 11.8 pg/mg protein. It also reduced NO levels from 91.4 ± 1.3 to 30.8 ± 1.7 µM/mg protein while reducing TNF-α levels from 2041.2 ± 15.1 to 1037.5 ± 15.4 pg/mg protein. Conclusions: This work contributes to the growing evidence supporting the pharmacological importance of the underexplored Thottea sivarajanii, highlighting this species as a promising candidate for natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts with Biological Activity and Potential Antioxidant Action)
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Review

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19 pages, 1914 KB  
Review
From Chronic Inflammation to Remodeling: Anthocyanins in the Context of Asthma Management
by Madiha Ajaz, Indu Singh, Lada Vugic, Rati Jani, Ayesha Zahid and Natalie Shilton
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020323 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 558
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease posing substantial health and economic challenges globally. Its progression involves key hallmarks such as inflammation and airway remodeling, mediated by multiple inflammatory biomarkers and pathways. Despite the availability of potent therapeutic options, many patients continue to suffer [...] Read more.
Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease posing substantial health and economic challenges globally. Its progression involves key hallmarks such as inflammation and airway remodeling, mediated by multiple inflammatory biomarkers and pathways. Despite the availability of potent therapeutic options, many patients continue to suffer from uncontrolled asthma. The plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) signaling pathway is critical in asthma exacerbation and remodeling, with elevated PAI-1 levels linked to disease progression. Anthocyanins (ACNs), potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, have shown promise in asthma management. Epidemiological studies associate higher ACN intake with a lower risk of asthma and improved lung function. Preclinical models further demonstrate ACNs’ effectiveness in reducing asthma-related inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and signaling pathways. Additionally, a human trial suggests ACNs can improve symptom control and lung function. While no direct evidence links ACNs to PAI-1 reduction in asthma, studies in other chronic conditions show ACNs reduce PAI-1 levels, supporting their potential role in asthma. This suggests a promising avenue for exploring their effects on airway remodeling. The lack of robust human studies remains a gap. Future research should focus on establishing direct evidence of ACNs’ impact on PAI-1 levels and remodeling in asthma, providing novel insights into managing asthma as an adjunct. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts with Biological Activity and Potential Antioxidant Action)
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