Toxic substances that come into close contact with human and animal health have become more prevalent in recent years, and they can now be found almost everywhere. They can be found in cookware, food processing, soil fertilizers, cosmetics, and even food include them. These commonplace chemicals, such as phthalates and organophosphates, have been connected to several health issues. Many bioactive compounds have been reported as being useful in the treatment of health problems caused by toxic exposure. These bioactive molecules, which are often present in vegetables and fruits, are high in polyphenols and flavonoids and have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antioxidant properties that can help minimize toxicity. As a result, they have persuaded the scientific community and increased attention to their preventative and protective applications.
While the prevention of exposure to toxins and their general reduction in the environment remain the primary objectives of reducing toxicological risks, there is growing scientific evidence that natural or synthetic organic compounds can substantially enhance the protection and decrease the damage caused by many common types of environmental pollutants. A few examples are presented below.
- Silymarin, for example, is a natural compound extracted from the
Silybum marianum plant that is used as a novel anti-hepatotoxicity and anti-nephrotoxicity drug. Free radicals formed by the metabolism of toxic substances have been shown to damage any cell or tissue they encounter. Due to its ability to scavenge these free radicals, silymarin can aid in the defense against the induced toxicity. It increases glutathione levels in cells, regulates cell transporters, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes liver regeneration by stimulating ribosomal RNA synthesis.
- Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has been suggested to help protect and treat tissue damage caused by heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and mercury. The possible known mechanisms of action have been attributed to its scavenging properties and ability to induce the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway.
- In the treatment of nephrotoxicity and kidney injury after exposure to toxins, extra virgin olive oil has been shown to have a nephroprotective function by scavenging free radicals.
The aim of this Research Topic is to learn more about the roles that bioactive compounds can play in the management and improvement of health problems caused by various toxins. We should concentrate on the ways in which these potential molecules may minimize organ and tissue toxicity. Original Research, Review, and Mini-Review articles focusing on the assessment of the protective and recovery effects of treatment with bioactive compounds, as well as their related molecular mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects, are all welcome.
In this Research Topic, we welcome studies on the following subtopics, but not limited to:
1. Bioactive compounds in the recovery and treatment of neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and systemic toxicity.
2. Antioxidants' defensive function in the protection against the mediating effects of pollutants.
3. The mechanisms by which certain bioactive compounds can alter the toxicity of contaminants.
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All the manuscripts submitted to the collection will need to fully comply with the
Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version
here).
We would like to drive the attention of the authors especially to Pillar 1 a):
Traditional context - The traditional context must be described in the introduction and supported with bibliographical primary references. This may be based on modern uses of a plant in general healthcare.---
