Oxidative stress is a fundamental concern in the field of biomedical research, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidative defenses, leading to significant cellular damage. This imbalance is a key driver in the development of age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune conditions, and neurological issues. Mechanistic pharmacology plays a vital role by elucidating the intricate biochemical interactions and physiological pathways influenced by drugs. It delves deeply into how phytochemicals, with their robust antioxidative properties, interact with cellular targets, modulate signaling pathways, and influence genetic expression to counteract the negative impacts of ROS. However, comprehensive approaches are still needed to fully integrate these natural compounds into therapeutic strategies, highlighting a gap in current research efforts.

This Research Topic aims to explore the molecular targets and mechanistic pathways through which phytochemicals exert protective effects against oxidative stress and age-related diseases. By leveraging mechanistic pharmacology, this initiative seeks to uncover detailed molecular interactions involved, including how these compounds bind to specific receptor sites, alter signal transduction, and regulate downstream gene activity. These insights are crucial in identifying therapeutic targets that can be harnessed to develop innovative geriatric care strategies and preventive measures against age-related conditions.

To gather further insights into these complex interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes

• Molecular and systems biology approaches to oxidative stress linked to aging

• Antioxidative mechanisms of chemically well-defined extracts or individual metabolites relevant in the context of aging

• Clinical studies and trials on phytochemicals targeting age-related diseases

• Advanced methods in phytochemical analysis linked to plants used in aging-related disorders

• Network studies of pure metabolites with advanced methods for tentative target identification

We strongly encourage a multidisciplinary approach, integrating diverse methodologies and technologies to tackle the intricate challenges of oxidative stress and aging.

Importantly, Network studies of complex mixtures are generally not considered, since these are in pharmacological terms too preliminary and do not result in specific pharmacologically relevant findings. In essence, you have a many-to-many correlation which does not allow you to assess the activity from a pharmacological perspective.
Also, simple chemical anti-oxidant assays are of no pharmacological relevance, since there is no evidence of therapeutic benefits based on such chemical assays. They may serve as phytochemical-analytical tools.

Please note:
Studies need to comply with the best practice guidelines of the leading journals for pharmacological studies on plant extract / natural products including the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205.. A detailed description of the material studied, its extraction and processing is essential and manuscripts which lack such a description will be desk-rjected. . You can freely download the full version here. Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool.
Purely in silico studies are outside of the scope of this journal (e.g. network studies)

The following article types are particularly encouraged:
• Clinical Trial
• Methods
• Full reviews including Systematic Reviews
• Opinion
• Original Research

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Phytochemicals and Oxidative Stress: Targeting Age-Related Diseases