Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Life Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 May 2025 | Viewed by 7526

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Denis Nchang Che

E-Mail
Guest Editor

Seoul Songdo Hospital, Research Institute of Immune Cells, Seoul 10083, Republic of Korea
Interests: bioactives; functional foods; inflammation; obesity; antioxidants; cancer

Dr. Stefania Lamponi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
2. SienabioACTIVE, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
Interests: plants extracts; bioactivity; extraction techniques; biomaterials; in vitro cell compatibility; cytotoxicity; mutagenicity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the realm of natural medicine, plant extracts and functional foods have long been revered for their therapeutic potential. From ancient herbal remedies to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research, these botanical wonders continue to captivate scientists, healers, and curious minds alike. This Special Issue, entitled “Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods”, aims to delve into the multifaceted world of plant-based healing. Plants have evolved an intricate arsenal of bioactive compounds—phytochemicals—that serve as their defense mechanisms. These compounds, ranging from alkaloids and flavonoids to terpenes and polyphenols, hold immense promise for human health. Systems of traditional medicine across cultures have harnessed the power of plant extracts for millennia, recognizing their ability to alleviate ailments, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being. In this special Issue, we seek to explore the vast diversity of plant species and their unique chemical profiles. Advances will be presented by exploiting evidence-based research to demonstrate the biological activities of plant extracts, functional foods, and their individual phytochemicals vis à vis health and disease. By dissecting the molecular pathways through which plant compounds exert their effects, we aim to also demystify their mechanisms of action. Authors, researchers, and enthusiasts are invited to contribute their insights, experiments, and perspectives. Together, let us unravel the mysteries of green medicine and pave the way for a harmonious coexistence with nature.

Dr. Denis Nchang Che
Dr. Stefania Lamponi
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. Life 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 2600 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

plant extracts
phytochemicals
inflammation
obesity
liver disease
oxidative stress
antioxidants
diabetes
skin damage
aging

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.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 6369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmacological Activity of Cha-Miang (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) in High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin-Resistant Rats

by Jiraporn Laoung-on, Artorn Anuduang, Chalermpong Saenjum, Somdet Srichairatanakool, Kongsak Boonyapranai and Sakaewan Ounjaijean

Life 2024, 14(11), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111515 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 266

Abstract

Obesity, a major global health concern, is represented by an accumulation of adipose tissue and body mass, leading to a higher incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Camellia sinensis var. assamica, known as cha-miang, contains catechin and its derivatives, which have been reported to affect several health-related concerns such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemia, and against cardiovascular disease. The research aimed to examine the anti-obesity and insulin resistance effects of fresh cha-miang extract (CME) and fermented cha-miang extract (FCME), and to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of CME and FCME in obese rats generated by a high-fat diet. The extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant potential, with CME demonstrating greater DPPH radical scavenging activity, whereas FCME excelled in ABTS radical scavenging. In the animal model, CME and FCME significantly reduced body weight, plasma insulin levels, insulin resistance, and accumulation of fat compared to the obese control group. Moreover, plasma biochemical analysis indicated that both extracts enhanced lipid profiles by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels, while elevating HDL-cholesterol. Histological analysis revealed decreased hepatic fat accumulation, especially when extracts were concurrently treated with metformin. The research indicates that CME and FCME, especially in conjunction with metformin, have potential anti-obesity and anti-insulin resistance benefits attributed to their abundant polyphenolic content and antioxidant characteristics. This indicates that cha-miang may serve as an effective option for the management of obesity and metabolic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ginsenoside-Enriched Extract from Black Ginseng Anti-Fatigue Effects by Improving Antioxidant Capacity and Mitochondrial Function

by Shunji Ge, Jiating Li, Xueyue Tai, Kuo Wang, Liyan Huang, Weixin Su, Guoqi Zhang, Bao Zhong and Fenglin Li

Life 2024, 14(11), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111467 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 387

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the anti-fatigue effects of black ginseng ginsenosides using exercise performance tests, serum analyses, and gene expression profiling. No significant differences in dietary intake or body weight were observed between groups. The low-dose black ginseng (LBG) group showed no significant improvements in swimming and rotating rod tests. In contrast, the medium (MBG)- and high-dose (HBG) groups showed notable increases in swimming time and significant improvements in the rotating rod test. All treatment groups exhibited longer running times, particularly the HBG group. Serum analysis revealed increased muscle and hepatic glycogen, catalase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels in the MBG and HBG groups, whereas lactate, lipid peroxide, and superoxide dismutase levels were decreased. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of key antioxidant and mitochondrial function genes, including those encoding cationic amino acid transporter 2, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-2, nuclear respiratory factor 1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, mitochondrial transcription factor A, cytochrome c oxidase II, and NADH–ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit 1, particularly in the HBG group, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved mitochondrial function. These findings suggested that black ginseng ginsenosides effectively mitigated fatigue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Investigation and Biological Activities of Desmodium heterocarpon Extract as Anti-Tyrosinase: Isolation of Natural Compounds, In Vitro and In Silico Study

by Suthinee Sangkanu, Wanlapa Nuankaew, Thanet Pitakbut and Sukanya Dej-adisai

Life 2024, 14(11), 1400; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111400 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 587

Abstract

Tyrosinase is an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of melanin. Many skin-whitening agents that inhibit tyrosinase activity from natural sources have been identified because they are harmless and non-toxic. In this work, 114 samples of 54 Fabaceae plants were assessed for their anti-tyrosinase activity using a dopachrome method. The results found that Desmodium heterocarpon stems and roots demonstrated the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity at 20 µg/mL (92.50 ± 1.09%), whereas the water extract of Artocarpus lacucha and kojic acid demonstrated 87.41 ± 0.61% and 95.71 ± 0.33%, respectively. Six compounds were isolated from this plant, including genistein (1); hexadecanoic acid (2); salicylic acid (3); β-sitosterol-D-glucoside (4); 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (5); and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (6). Among them, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid demonstrated a potential effect for tyrosinase inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 57.38 µg/mL, while standards of kojic acid and the water extract of A. lacucha showed 2.46 and 0.15 µg/mL, respectively. 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid had a similar structure as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid; however, it was shown to have tyrosinase inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 128.89 µg/mL. Studies using computer simulations confirmed this reservation. The determination of antimicrobial activities found that 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid showed the strongest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC and MBC of 5 and 5 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, it inhibited MRSA, S. epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with MIC and MBC of 15–30 and 15–40 µg/mL. It showed potential activities against yeast and filamentous fungi, such as Candida albicans, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum, and T. mentagrophytes, with MIC and MFC of 15 µg/mL. So, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid could inhibit tyrosinase activity and microorganisms that cause skin diseases. Therefore, it can be concluded that this plant has advantageous properties that will be investigated and further developed for possible uses, particularly in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Screening and Characterization of Volatile Compounds from Three Medicinal Plants with Reported Anticancer Properties Using GC-MS

by Emelinah Mathe, Lesibana Sethoga, Sipho Mapfumari, Oluwaseyefunmi Adeniran, Phineas Mokgotho, Jerry Shai and Stanley Gololo

Life 2024, 14(11), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111375 - 25 Oct 2024

Viewed by 663

Abstract

Annona senegalensis pers, Sutherlandia frutescens (L.), and Withania somnifera (L.) are abundant plants and widely distributed in the Limpopo, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, North West and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa. The three plants are among those used by traditional healers and herbalists in South Africa for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer. The current study aimed at the phytochemical screening and characterization of volatile compounds from the three medicinal plants using GC-MS. The methanol leaf extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard chemical tests to detect the presence of different classes of compounds. Volatile compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, and detected compounds were identified by comparing the MS spectral data with those of compounds deposited in the NIST Library (NIST08). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of different secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, quinones, steroids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, and terpenoids in all plants. GC-MS chromatograms allowed the detection and identification of 19 volatile compounds among the three plants with known bioactivities that are important in the management of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The results confirm the leaves of Annona senegalensis, Sutherlandia frutescens, and Withania somnifera as sources of important phytochemicals and therefore justify their use for the treatment of various diseases by traditional healers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Hepatic Response to Orlistat and White Tea in Rats on a High-Fat Diet

by Serpil Ciftel, Aleksandra Klisic, Enver Ciftel, Tolga Mercantepe, Adnan Yilmaz, Sedat Ciftel, Esra Pinarbas, Merve Nur Toraman and Filiz Mercantepe

Life 2024, 14(10), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101283 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 808

Abstract

High-fat diets have detrimental health impacts that increase the likelihood of developing obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to examine the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of orlistat and white tea in rats fed a high-fat diet. Thirty-two rats were randomized into four groups: control (standard diet), HFD (high-fat diet), HFD+Orlistat (high-fat diet+orlistat), and HFD+WT (high-fat diet+white tea extract). A significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in total thiol (TT) levels were detected in the HFD group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, a decrease in the MDA level (p < 0.001) and an increase in the TT level were observed in the orlistat and white tea groups compared with those in the HFD group (p < 0.001). Histopathological examinations revealed that, compared with the HFD alone, orlistat and white tea reduced fat accumulation, prevented degenerative changes in hepatocytes, and decreased the histopathological damage score (p = 0.001). Immunohistochemical examinations of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB/p65) revealed that compared with the HFD, orlistat and white tea reduced immunopositivity (p = 0.001). White tea decreases lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Both white tea and orlistat decreased fat formation and inflammation in the liver and regulated inflammation by reducing Nf-kB positivity. Nevertheless, further research is needed to assess their impact on human subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 18118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Different Honey Varieties from Romania and Correlations to Their Composition

by Andreea Iosageanu, Laura Mihaela Stefan, Oana Craciunescu and Anisoara Cimpean

Life 2024, 14(9), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091187 - 20 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1082

Abstract

The complex composition of honey plays a crucial role in wound healing, exhibiting varying effects at different stages of the healing process. This study investigated seven honey varieties sourced from different regions of Romania using in vitro experimental models developed in macrophage-like, fibroblast, and keratinocyte cell lines to explore the mechanisms by which honey promoted the healing process. This study assessed the impact of honey on inflammatory cytokine production in macrophage-like cells, cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, and cell proliferation and migration in keratinocytes. Additionally, correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between honey composition and its biological properties. Honey varieties presented both anti- and pro-inflammatory effects. Moreover, they displayed dose-dependent pro-proliferative effects, stimulating collagen synthesis and cell migration, thereby enhancing the re-epithelialization process. The Pearson coefficient analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between biological activities and phenolic content. Additionally, there was a medium positive correlation with the ascorbic acid content and a medium negative correlation with the glucose content in the different honey varieties. Romanian honey varieties rich in phenolics showed potential in modulating inflammation, proliferation, collagen synthesis, and cell migration, suggesting their suitability for further evaluation and development of innovative dressings for skin tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Grifola frondosa Polysaccharide in Preventing Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by Ying She, Yun Ma, Pei Zou, Yang Peng, Yong An, Hang Chen, Peng Luo and Shaofeng Wei

Life 2024, 14(7), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070784 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 917

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a burgeoning public health challenge worldwide. Individuals with T2DM are at increased risk for skeletal muscle atrophy, a serious complication that significantly compromises quality of life and for which effective prevention measures are currently inadequate. Emerging evidence indicates that systemic and local inflammation stemming from the compromised intestinal barrier is one of the crucial mechanisms contributing to skeletal muscle atrophy in T2DM patients. Notably, natural plant polysaccharides were found to be capable of enhancing intestinal barrier function and mitigating secondary inflammation in some diseases. Herein, we hypothesized that Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), one of the major plant polysaccharides, could prevent skeletal muscle atrophy in T2DM via regulating intestinal barrier function and inhibiting systemic and local inflammation. Using a well-established T2DM rat model, we demonstrated that GFP was able to not only prevent hyperglycemia and insulin resistance but also repair intestinal mucosal barrier damage and subsequent inflammation, thereby alleviating the skeletal muscle atrophy in the T2DM rat model. Additionally, the binding free energy analysis and molecular docking of monosaccharides constituting GFP were further expanded for related targets to uncover more potential mechanisms. These results provide a novel preventative and therapeutic strategy for T2DM patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Australian Seagrasses

by Matthew J. Perry, Mara Curic, Abigail L. Scott, Edita Ritmejerytė, Dyah U. C. Rahayu, Paul A. Keller, Michael Oelgemöller, Karma Yeshi and Phurpa Wangchuk

Life 2024, 14(6), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060710 - 30 May 2024

Viewed by 1029

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that seagrasses could possess potential applications in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Five seagrass species (Zostera muelleri, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii) from the Great Barrier Reef (QLD, Australia) were thus collected, and their preliminary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. From the acetone extracts of five seagrass species subjected to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging antioxidant assay, the extract of Z. muelleri had the highest activity (half minimal concentration of inhibition (IC₅₀) = 138 µg/mL), with the aerial parts (IC₅₀ = 119 µg/mL) possessing significantly higher antioxidant activity than the roots (IC₅₀ ≥ 500 µg/mL). A human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) assay with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation and LEGENDplex cytokine analysis showed that the aerial extract of Z. muelleri significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 by 29%, 74%, and 90%, respectively, relative to the LPS treatment group. The aerial extract was thus fractionated with methanol (MeOH) and hexane fraction, and purification of the MeOH fraction by HPLC led to the isolation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (1), luteolin (2), and apigenin (3) as its major constituents. These compounds have been previously shown to reduce levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and represent some of the major bioactive components of Z. muelleri aerial parts. This investigation represents the first study of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Z. muelleri and the first isolation of small molecules from this species. These results highlight the potential for using seagrasses in treating inflammation and the need for further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

41 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethnobotanical Surveys of Plants Used by Quilombola Communities in Brazil: A Scoping Review

by Letícia Francine Silva Ramos, Ananda Gomes de Sousa, Rebeca de Siqueira Amorim, Alan de Araújo Roque, Israel Luís Diniz Carvalho, Ana Laura Vilela de Carvalho, Milena Evangelista dos Santos, Maiara Bernardes Marques, Luiza Rayanna Amorim de Lima, Moan Jéfter Fernandes Costa and Pedro Henrique Sette-de-Souza

Life 2024, 14(10), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101215 - 24 Sep 2024

Viewed by 703

Abstract

Quilombola communities play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity through traditional management models. The use of medicinal plants within these communities reflects a deep reservoir of knowledge, passed down through generations. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review to systematically analyze and synthesize the existing literature on the medicinal plants used by Quilombola communities in Brazil, with a focus on their therapeutic applications and cultural significance. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) strategy was utilized, where the population refers to the Quilombolas, the concept pertains to medicinal plants, and the context involves illness. A total of 888 studies were initially identified, but only 10 met the inclusion criteria, covering 297 plant species from 80 different families. These plants are employed in a wide range of therapeutic applications, with decoction, alcohol maceration, and infusion being the most common methods of preparation. The study highlights the rich ethnopharmacological knowledge held by Quilombola communities and underscores the need for greater recognition and integration of this traditional knowledge into public health practices. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of preserving and validating the use of medicinal plants by these communities, which could serve as a foundation for future pharmacological discoveries and the development of culturally appropriate health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI