Bioactive phytochemicals with neuroimmunopharmacological properties

Plants constitute a vast and still incompletely characterized reservoir of biologically active compounds. Among them are highly potent therapeutic agents such as paclitaxel, employed in oncology, and morphine, a cornerstone of severe pain management. Moreover, numerous plant-derived products contain complex phytochemical compositions that contribute to the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and may play a preventive role in the early stages of disease development. Accordingly, plant-derived substances – including crude extracts, enriched fractions, or isolated compounds – may be considered as valuable candidates for the development of therapeutics, dietary supplements, or functional food components. In any case, these substances exert measurable biological effects by modulating physiological functioning and molecular pathways.

In recent years, neurological and psychiatric disorders have emerged as global health challenges. The increasing prevalence of anxiety, depression or neurodegenerative conditions – including various forms of dementia – constitutes some of the most troublesome conditions worldwide. In the search for novel therapeutic strategies capable of suppressing the disease progression, providing symptomatic relief, supporting existing therapies or enhancing disease prevention, plant-derived substances are undoubtedly being considered and continuously investigated. Despite mounting evidence of their therapeutic potential, the precise neuroimmunopharmacological actions of many phytochemicals remain incompletely understood, especially regarding neuroimmune crosstalk and mechanisms underpinning neuroprotection and neuromodulation.

This Research Topic aims to investigate how bioactive phytochemicals from medicinal plants can modulate immune processes in the central nervous system (CNS). By examining their influence on immune signaling, neuroinflammatory responses, and other immunoregulatory cascades, this collection seeks to elucidate mechanisms through which natural compounds could contribute to neuroprotection, neuromodulation, and maintenance of CNS homeostasis. The goal is to answer crucial questions about the potential for phytochemicals to suppress disease progression, augment symptomatic relief, enhance known therapeutics and support prevention in both neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. In doing so, the Research Topic strives to highlight novel findings and identify promising plant-derived candidates for drug development, dietary supplementation, and functional food innovation. As with all plant derived substances, the conditions under which phytochemicals are obtained and processed can subtly affect their stability and overall biological profile. Approaches that ensure minimal alteration of sensitive compounds and reproducible phytochemical compositions are therefore relevant when evaluating their neuroimmunomodulatory potential.

This Research Topic encompasses original research articles and reviews that address direct or indirect neuroimmune actions of phytochemicals in animal models and clinical trials. Furthermore, in-depth studies of the molecular pathways through which substances exert their effect are in the scope. The focus is on studies that dissect mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and translational potential. To gather further insights in the interplay between phytochemicals and the central nervous system, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways by plant-derived compounds
o Phytochemicals influencing microglial function and neuroplasticity
o Effects of medicinal plants on neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders
o Immunoregulatory and neuromodulatory mechanisms in the CNS
o Translational and clinical perspectives on plant-based neurotherapeutics


Original Research and Review articles of the highest scientific standards are welcome.