Medicinal Plants and Natural Bioactives: From Pharmacology to Cosmeceutical Innovation

Submission Deadline: 01 March 2026 View: 765 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Addi

Email: m.addi@ump.ac.ma

Affiliation: Faculty of Sciences - Department of Biology, University Mohammed Premier, Oujda, 60000, Morocco

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Research Interests: phytochemistry, pharmacology, cosmetics, plant biotechnology

Prof. Dr. François Mesnard

Email: francois.mesnard@u-picardie.fr

Affiliation: UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, 80000, France

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Research Interests: culture in vitro, phytochemistry, LC/MS, NMR, pharmacology

Summary

Medicinal plants have been integral to human health for centuries, serving as the foundation of traditional remedies, modern pharmaceuticals, and, more recently, high-performance natural cosmetics. The growing demand for plant-derived compounds stems from their multifunctional bioactivities, reduced side effects, and alignment with sustainable and clean-label trends in both medicine and personal care. However, challenges remain in standardizing extraction methods, elucidating mechanisms of action, and enhancing bioavailability for clinical and cosmetic applications.

This Special Issue seeks to compile cutting-edge research on the therapeutic and cosmeceutical potential of medicinal plants, bridging gaps between ethnobotanical knowledge, pharmacological validation, and industrial application. We encourage submissions that explore innovative approaches—from biotechnology to nanotechnology—to unlock the full potential of plant-based compounds.

Topics of Interest Include (but are not limited to):
1. Fundamental Research & Biotechnology
Phytochemistry & Omics Technologies: Advances in metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatics for profiling bioactive compounds.
Biosynthesis & Metabolic Engineering: CRISPR, tissue culture, and synthetic biology approaches to enhance metabolite production.
Green Extraction Techniques: Sustainable methods (e.g., supercritical CO₂, enzymatic hydrolysis) for higher yields and purity.
2. Pharmacological Applications
Mechanistic Studies: Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects of plant extracts/isolates.
Preclinical & Clinical Trials: Evidence-based validation of efficacy and safety.
Drug Delivery Systems: Nanoformulations (liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles) to improve solubility and targeted delivery.
3. Cosmeceutical & Dermatological Innovations
Skin Health & Anti-Aging: Role of polyphenols, terpenes, and polysaccharides in collagen synthesis, hydration, and wrinkle reduction.
Natural Sunscreens & Photoprotection: UV-blocking compounds (e.g., flavonoids, mycosporine-like amino acids).
Sustainable Cosmetic Formulations: Preservative-free, biodegradable, and microbiome-friendly ingredients.
Regulatory & Market Trends: Challenges in standardization, safety testing, and commercialization of plant-based cosmetics.

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Published Papers