New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Abstract submission deadline

31 December 2024

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31 March 2025

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent research trends suggest that bioactive compounds from various natural sources will be among the most important ingredients in future new medicines, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Discovering novel biologically active natural compounds is a major goal of the pharmaceutical world and many food companies, and further studies are being conducted in the medical community for their therapeutic effects in treating human diseases. Several studies have reported that bioactive molecules in natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent various chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Current advances in natural source isolation and extraction technologies have made it easier to create optimized bioactive molecules with the potential to treat diseases. Over the past decades, various natural products which are rich sources of bioactive molecules have been studied for their use in the treatment of many human diseases; however, the mechanisms of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties require much more study.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are known to play critical roles in aging and the development of chronic diseases, making them important targets for developing therapeutic strategies for disease control. Indeed, oxidative stress and inflammation are two pathophysiological processes that are closely related to and dependent on each other. Thus, approaches to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are considered increasingly important for chronic disease risk prevention and anti-aging.

In this Special Issue, we encourage the submission of research articles and timely reviews dealing with novel natural compounds with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research on the bioactive properties of natural substances extracted from plants and animals, as well as microorganisms and marine organisms and their synthetic derivatives, is also welcome. This topic also includes investigations on the health-promoting effects of natural products on chronic diseases, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, and aging. We hope that this Special Topic will provide readers with an update on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of new natural compounds and their therapeutic and preventive potential in treating various human diseases. We ask you to submit your latest research findings or review papers.

Dr. Jung Eun Kim
Prof. Dr. Bo Young Chung
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Antioxidants antioxidants	7.0	8.8	2012	13.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Foods foods	5.2	5.8	2012	13.1 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
International Journal of Plant Biology ijpb	-	1.1	2010	14.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Life life	3.2	2.7	2011	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	6.7	1996	14.6 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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All Antioxidants Foods IJPB Life Molecules

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21 pages, 3412 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Cordyceps militaris Extract and Cordycepin Alleviate Oxidative Stress, Modulate Gut Microbiota and Ameliorate Intestinal Damage in LPS-Induced Piglets

by Shijie Xiong, Jiajia Jiang, Fan Wan, Ding Tan, Haibo Zheng, Huiqin Xue, Yiqiong Hang, Yang Lu and Yong Su

Antioxidants 2024, 13(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040441 - 08 Apr 2024

Viewed by 629

Abstract

Cordycepin is considered a major bioactive component in Cordyceps militaris extract. This study was performed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) and cordycepin (CPN) supplementation on intestinal damage in LPS-challenged piglets. The results showed that CPN or CME supplementation [...] Read more.

Cordycepin is considered a major bioactive component in Cordyceps militaris extract. This study was performed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) and cordycepin (CPN) supplementation on intestinal damage in LPS-challenged piglets. The results showed that CPN or CME supplementation significantly increased the villus height (p < 0.01) and villus height/crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum of piglets with LPS-induced intestinal inflammation. Meanwhile, CPN or CME supplementation alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by reducing the levels of MDA (p < 0.05) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum. Additionally, supplementation with CPN or CME modulated the structure of the intestinal microbiota by enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and increased the level of butyrate (p < 0.05). The RNA-seq results demonstrated that CME or CPN altered the complement and coagulation-cascade-related genes (p < 0.05), including upregulating gene KLKB1 while downregulating the genes CFD, F2RL2, CFB, C4BPA, F7, C4BPB, CFH, C3 and PROS1, which regulate the complement activation involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Correlation analysis further demonstrated the potential relation between the gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and butyrate in piglets. In conclusion, CPN or CME supplementation might inhibit LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating the intestinal microbiota and its metabolite butyrate in piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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19 pages, 2756 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Bioactivities of Plants Used against Skin Diseases in the Eastern Free State, South Africa

by Valeria Makhosazana Xaba, Ariyo Lateef Adeniran, Siphamandla Qhubekani Njabuliso Lamula and Lisa Valencia Buwa-Komoreng

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 13-31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010002 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 576

Abstract

Skin diseases are a worldwide issue, accounting for approximately 34% of all occupational illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate medicinal plants used to treat wounds and skin diseases in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey [...] Read more.

Skin diseases are a worldwide issue, accounting for approximately 34% of all occupational illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate medicinal plants used to treat wounds and skin diseases in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to gather information from traditional healers on plants they use to treat human ailments. Plants were collected and then investigated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using standard assays. Cotyledon orbiculata, Dioscorea sylvatica, and Lycopodium clavatum had the highest frequency of citation (RFC) values among the 22 plants reported. Saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and tannins were found in the phytochemical examination. L. clavatum had the greatest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0.39 mg/mL and 0.098 mg/mL, respectively. C. orbiculata and D. sylvatica extracts showed significant antifungal activity between 0.39 and 1.56 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals was found in all extracts. The extracts had significant anti-inflammatory action against the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.02 to 0.49 g/mL. The usage of C. orbiculata, D. sylvatica, and L. clavatum in the treatment of skin problems in the Eastern Free State of South Africa was verified in this research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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16 pages, 2294 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Dietary Zinc (Zn) Sources on Growth Performance, Zn Metabolism, and Intestinal Health of Grass Carp

by Yi-Chuang Xu, Hua Zheng, Jia-Cheng Guo, Xiao-Ying Tan, Tao Zhao, Yu-Feng Song, Xiao-Lei Wei and Zhi Luo

Antioxidants 2023, 12(9), 1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12091664 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1150

Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of four dietary zinc (Zn) sources on growth performance, Zn metabolism, antioxidant capacity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and tight junctions in the intestine of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Four Zn sources consisted of Zn [...] Read more.

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of four dietary zinc (Zn) sources on growth performance, Zn metabolism, antioxidant capacity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and tight junctions in the intestine of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Four Zn sources consisted of Zn dioxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), Zn sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O), Zn lactate (Zn-Lac), and Zn glycine chelate (Zn-Gly), respectively. Grass carp with an initial body weight of 3.54 g/fish were fed one of four experimental diets for 8 weeks. Compared to inorganic Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O), grass carp fed the ZnO NPs and Zn-Gly diets exhibited better growth performance. Furthermore, grass carp fed the organic Zn (Zn-Lac and Zn-Gly) diets displayed enhanced Zn transport activity, improved intestinal histology, and increased intestinal tight junction-related genes expression compared to other groups. In comparison to other Zn sources, dietary ZnO NPs caused increased Zn deposition and damaged antioxidation capacity by suppressing antioxidant enzymatic activities and related gene expression in the intestine. Grass cap fed the ZnO NPs diet also exhibited lower mRNA abundance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- and tight junction-associated genes. According to the above findings, it can be concluded that dietary organic Zn addition (Zn-Lac and Zn-Gly) is more beneficial for intestinal health in grass carp compared to inorganic and nanoform Zn sources. These findings provide valuable insights into the application of organic Zn sources, specifically Zn-Lac and Zn-Gly, in the diets for grass carp and potentially for other fish species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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16 pages, 3738 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of Endothelial Inflammatory Response by HT-C6, a Hydroxytyrosol Alkyl Ether Derivative

by Ana Dácil Marrero, Laura Castilla, Manuel Bernal, Inmaculada Manrique, Joel D. Posligua-García, Federico Moya-Utrera, Cristina Porras-Alcalá, José Luis Espartero, Francisco Sarabia, Ana R. Quesada, Miguel Ángel Medina and Beatriz Martínez-Poveda

Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081513 - 28 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1194

Abstract

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a bioactive phenolic compound naturally present in olives and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) which is described as an antioxidant, antitumoral and antiangiogenic molecule. Previous studies of semi-synthetic HT-derivatives presented the hydroxytyrosyl alkyl ether HT-C6 as one of the most [...] Read more.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a bioactive phenolic compound naturally present in olives and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) which is described as an antioxidant, antitumoral and antiangiogenic molecule. Previous studies of semi-synthetic HT-derivatives presented the hydroxytyrosyl alkyl ether HT-C6 as one of the most potent derivatives studied in the context of antioxidant, anti-platelet and antiangiogenic assays, but its direct effect on inflammation was not reported. In this work, we use RT-qPCR measure of gene expression, protein analysis by Western-blot and immunofluorescence techniques, adhesion and migration functional assays and single-cell monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in order to explore in vitro the ability of HT-C6 to interfere in the inflammatory response of endothelial cells (ECs). Our results showed that HT-C6 strongly reduces the TNF-α-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), E-selectin (SELE), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and 5 (CCL2 and CCL5) in HUVECs, impairing the chemotactic and adhesion potential of these cells towards THP-1 monocytes in vitro. In this work, we define a mechanism of action underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of HT-C6, which involves the abrogation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activation in ECs. These results, together with the ability of HT-C6 to reduce ROS formation in ECs, point to this compound as a promising HT-derivative to be tested in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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13 pages, 1932 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Diosmetin-3-O-β-d-Glucuronide, the Main Metabolite of Diosmin: Evidence from Ex Vivo Human Skin Models

by Sylvie Boisnic, Marie-Christine Branchet, Barbara Quioc-Salomon, Julie Doan, Catherine Delva and Célia Gendron

Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5591; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145591 - 22 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1278

Abstract

Diosmin is used to relieve chronic venous disease (CVD) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide, the major metabolite of diosmin, using human skin explants. The explants were exposed to substance P (inflammation [...] Read more.

Diosmin is used to relieve chronic venous disease (CVD) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide, the major metabolite of diosmin, using human skin explants. The explants were exposed to substance P (inflammation model) or UVB irradiation (oxidative model) and to five diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide concentrations. Inflammation was evaluated through interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion measurements and capillary dilation observation, and oxidation was evaluated by measuring the hydrogen peroxide levels and observing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). In substance-P-exposed explants, diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide induced a significant decrease in IL-8 secretions, with a maximal effect at 2700 pg/mL (−49.6%), and it reduced the proportion of dilated capillaries and the mean luminal cross-sectional area (p < 0.0001 at all tested concentrations), indicating a vasoconstrictive effect. In UVB-irradiated fragments, diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide induced a significant decrease in hydrogen peroxide production and in the number of CPD-positive cells, reaching a maximal effect at the concentration of 2700 pg/mL (−48.6% and −52.0%, respectively). Diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses, with the maximal effect being reached at 2700 pg/mL and corresponding to the peak plasma concentration estimated after the oral intake of 600 mg of diosmin, the daily dose usually recommended for the treatment of CVD. These ex vivo findings suggest a protective role of diosmetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide against inflammatory and oxidative stress affecting the vascular system in CVD pathophysiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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15 pages, 1697 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Dairy By-Products and Lactoferrin Exert Antioxidant and Antigenotoxic Activity on Intestinal and Hepatic Cells

by Inés Abad, Julien Vignard, Catherine Bouchenot, Dimitra Graikini, Laura Grasa, María Dolores Pérez, Gladys Mirey and Lourdes Sánchez

Foods 2023, 12(10), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102073 - 21 May 2023

Viewed by 1576

Abstract

The dairy industry generates a large volume of by-products containing bioactive compounds that may have added value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of milk-derived products, such as whey, buttermilk, and lactoferrin, in two human cell [...] Read more.

The dairy industry generates a large volume of by-products containing bioactive compounds that may have added value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of milk-derived products, such as whey, buttermilk, and lactoferrin, in two human cell lines: Caco-2 as an intestinal barrier model and HepG2 as a hepatic cell line. First, the protective effect of dairy samples against the oxidative stress caused by menadione was analyzed. All these dairy fractions significantly reversed the oxidative stress, with the non-washed buttermilk fraction presenting the greatest antioxidant effect for Caco-2 cells and lactoferrin as the best antioxidant for HepG2 cells. At concentrations that did not impact cell viability, we found that the dairy sample with the highest antigenotoxic power against menadione, in both cell lines, was lactoferrin at the lowest concentration. Additionally, dairy by-products maintained their activity in a coculture of Caco-2 and HepG2, mimicking the intestinal-liver axis. This result suggests that the compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity could cross the Caco-2 barrier and reach HepG2 cells on the basal side, exerting their function on them. In conclusion, our results show that dairy by-products have antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities, which would allow revaluing their use in food specialties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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19 pages, 5924 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Astaxanthin on Tissue Transglutaminase and Cytoskeletal Protein Expression in Amyloid-Beta Stressed Olfactory Ensheathing Cells: Molecular and Delayed Luminescence Studies

by Agatina Campisi, Giovanni Sposito, Rosaria Grasso, Julia Bisicchia, Michela Spatuzza, Giuseppina Raciti, Agata Scordino and Rosalia Pellitteri

Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030750 - 19 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1314

Abstract

Astaxanthin, a natural compound of Haematococcus pluvialis, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. It also represents a potential therapeutic in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), that is related to oxidative stress and agglomeration of proteins such as amyloid-beta (Aβ). Aβ is a neurotoxic [...] Read more.

Astaxanthin, a natural compound of Haematococcus pluvialis, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. It also represents a potential therapeutic in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), that is related to oxidative stress and agglomeration of proteins such as amyloid-beta (Aβ). Aβ is a neurotoxic protein and a substrate of tissue transglutaminase (TG2), an ubiquitary protein involved in AD. Herein, the effect of astaxanthin pretreatment on olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) exposed to Aβ(1–42) or by Aβ(25–35) or Aβ(35–25), and on TG2 expression were assessed. Vimentin, GFAP, nestin, cyclin D₁ and caspase-3 were evaluated. ROS levels and the percentage of cell viability were also detected. In parallel, delayed luminescence (DL) was used to monitor mitochondrial status. ASTA reduced TG2, GFAP and vimentin overexpression, inhibiting cyclin D₁ levels and apoptotic pathway activation which induced an increase in the nestin levels. In addition, significant changes in DL intensities were particularly observed in OECs exposed to Aβ toxic fragment (25–35), that completely disappear when OECs were pre-incubated in astaxantin. Therefore, we suggest that ASTA pre-treatment might represent an innovative mechanism to contrast TG2 overexpression in AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights of Natural Compounds in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties)

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