Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacology of Natural Bioactive Products against Inflammation and Neurodegeneration

The growing interest in ethnopharmacology provides novel perspectives on addressing chronic neurological conditions such as neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Natural bioactive products, traditionally utilized in various cultures, offer promising therapeutic potential through neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory pathways. This Research Topic aims to integrate neuropharmacology and ethnopharmacology to identify and validate new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases.

Essential compounds like polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids from natural sources can contribute to suppressing neuroinflammatory pathways, providing neuroprotection and reducing oxidative stress. This involves an exploration of traditional medicinal systems and modern research techniques to enhance the bioavailability and validate the efficacy of these compounds in clinical scenarios.

The pharmacological aspects are paramount in this research, and the description of these activities should address:

o Neuroinflammatory mechanisms and their interaction with bioactive compounds.
o Ethnopharmacological practices worldwide and their relevance in modern neuropharmacology.
o Advances in understanding the precise mechanisms of action of natural compounds.
o Standardized methodology in the extraction, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds to ensure reproducibility and reliability.

The intersection of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge pharmacological research presents a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of natural bioactive compounds. Articles submitted to this Research Topic must be embedded strongly in pharmacology while supporting evidence-based approaches to ethnopharmacology.

Guidelines for Submissions

Please note:
o Studies need to comply with the best practice guidelines of leading journals for pharmacological studies on plant extracts/natural products, including the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology.
o Follow the standards as established in the ConPhyMP statement (Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205). A detailed description of the material studied, its extraction, and processing is essential. Manuscripts lacking such descriptions will be desk-rejected.
o You can freely download the full version and use the ConPhyMP tool for self-assessment here: ConPhyMP Best Practice Tool
o Purely in silico studies are outside the scope of this journal (e.g., network studies).