Dear Colleagues,

Plant extracts are important sources of various biologically active compounds such as phytosterols, amino acids, lipids, phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, amongst others. These compounds exhibit diverse beneficial biological activities and are therefore used in a wide range of application fields. Bearing in mind they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anticonvulsant, and anticancer properties, there has been over the last few decades a tremendous increase in the use of plant extracts for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes or in cosmetic formulations. Furthermore, plant extracts, which are comprised of various bioactive compounds, are also recommended as natural biopesticides. This is because they can help control pests and weeds, ensuring food security, protection of the natural environment, and human health. In addition, the use of plant extracts as natural biopesticides can also help reduce the number of chemical pesticides used in agriculture, which is beneficial for the environment. As a result, plant extracts are becoming increasingly important in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Based on the above, authors are invited to submit original articles and reviews on plant extracts and their application in extraction methods, chemical characterization of the extracts and identification of their bioactive molecules, evaluation of their bioactivities (e.g., antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-fungal activity, etc.), selectivity to non-target organisms, and molecular and physiological mechanisms of action, etc. Articles on alternative sources for potentially bioactive molecules such as microorganisms are also welcome.

Dr. Maria Antonopoulou
Prof. Fotini N. Lamari
Dr. Vassilios Triantafyllidis
Prof. Dr. George Tsiamis
Guest Editors

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• essential oils
• bioactive compounds
• metabolites
• natural products
• bioactivity
• molecular mechanism of action
• selectivity
• integrated pest management
• biopesticides