For centuries, medicinal plants have served as a foundation for traditional healing systems worldwide, providing critical remedies for various diseases. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess diverse biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The accumulation of botanical and ethnomedical knowledge has historically guided the identification of plants with therapeutic potential, offering a rich resource for drug discovery and biomedical research. Contemporary advancements in molecular biology and pharmacology now enable detailed investigations into the mechanisms of action of these compounds. This deeper understanding is particularly pertinent as the world confronts escalating challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, rising cancer rates, and chronic inflammatory conditions. In this context, natural products from plants not only offer promising leads for novel therapeutics but also contribute to our understanding of fundamental biological processes and disease pathways.

This Research Topic seeks to address the continuing need for new and effective therapeutic agents by focusing on the pharmacological potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds. Specifically, the aim is to consolidate recent advances in studying natural products with activities against infectious diseases and chronic disorders, with an emphasis on elucidating their molecular mechanisms of action. We solicit contributions that demonstrate how phytochemicals can modulate key pathways involved in host-pathogen interactions, inflammation, oxidative stress, and carcinogenesis. By bridging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge research, this collection aspires to accelerate the discovery and development of plant-based therapeutics. Ultimately, the goal is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, providing a platform for scientists from diverse backgrounds to share insights, propose innovative approaches, and highlight the translational potential of plant-derived products in both clinical and preclinical contexts.

We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and mini reviews on all aspects of the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties
- Investigations into anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions
- Molecular and cellular mechanism studies using in vitro, in vivo, or in silico methods
- Interdisciplinary projects linking traditional medicine with biomedical science

Taken together, submissions should aim to enhance our understanding of how natural products can contribute to the prevention and treatment of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

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

Plant-Derived Bioactives in Disease Modulation: Bridging Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications