Dear Colleagues,

Studies on plant extracts, particularly regarding their antioxidant activity and health effects, comprise an area of significant interest. Antioxidants derived from natural sources occupy a crucial role in maintaining our health and well-being. They are compounds that help to protect human cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These are produced naturally in our bodies as a result of various processes, but their production can also be triggered by factors like pollution, UV radiation, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Antioxidants’ most valuable effect is to neutralize free radicals, thus reducing oxidative stress and preventing potential damage to our cells and particularly to our DNA. What makes antioxidants completely fascinating is that they are abundant in a wide range of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. These natural sources of antioxidants offer and contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds such as vitamins (like vitamins C and E), minerals (like selenium and zinc), carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals. Each compound has its unique properties and mechanisms of action, contributing to the overall antioxidant capacity of the plant or food.

Furthermore, antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants also play a role in supporting a vigorous immune system, promoting skin health, and possibly even slowing down the normal aging process. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of antioxidants can vary depending on factors such as absorption, bioavailability, and interactions with other nutrients. Therefore, it is crucial to consume a varied and balanced diet that includes a wide range of antioxidant sources in order to maximize their potential benefits.

Exploring and understanding the diverse range of antioxidants found in plant extracts, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods can provide valuable insights into their potential health benefits and help to guide dietary choices for a healthier lifestyle.

We invite researchers in the field of plant extracts, antioxidant activity, and health effects to contribute to a Special Issue that aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of this exciting and rapidly evolving area of research. This Special Issue provides a platform to showcase novel findings, methodologies, and insights pertaining to the antioxidant properties of plant extracts and their beneficial impact on human health.

The focus of this Special Issue is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antioxidant activity of plant extracts and expound on their potential health benefits. Researchers are encouraged submit studies that seek to investigate the identification and characterization of bioactive compounds within plant extracts, their antioxidant capacity assessment using both in vitro and in vivo models, and the exploration of their molecular mechanisms of action. Additionally, we welcome clinical trials and human studies evaluating the beneficial health effects of plant extracts in diverse populations in order to provide valuable insights into their efficacy and optimal dosage.

Furthermore, we invite contributions that delve into the therapeutic potential of plant extracts in preventing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic disorders. Understanding the bioavailability and bioaccessibility, metabolism, and formulation strategies for enhancing the efficacy of plant extracts is also of great interest.

By publishing in this Special Issue, researchers have the opportunity to contribute to the collective knowledge and advance the field of plant extracts, antioxidant activity, and health effects. We aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, explore innovative methodologies, and present cutting-edge research in this rapidly expanding field.

We invite researchers to submit their original research articles, reviews, or short communications that explore the diverse dimensions of plant extracts in relation to antioxidant activity and beneficial health effects. Join us in this endeavor to unravel the potential of plant extracts as natural remedies, dietary supplements, or functional food ingredients, and help to make a significant impact on progress in human health.

Prof. Dr. Gianina Cristina Crişan
Dr. Ana-Maria Vlase
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Antioxidants 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.

• antioxidant activity
• oxidative stress
• molecular mechanisms
• natural products
• plant extracts
• nutraceuticals
• health outcomes
• synergistic effects
• chronic diseases
• metabolic disorders
• cancer prevention
• bioaccessibility
• metabolism
• novel pharmaceutical formulations
• modern extraction techniques
• preclinical and clinical trials