Investigating New Developments in Plant Extracts: Comprehending Antioxidant Mechanisms and Their Health Advantages

Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026 View: 385 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Dr. Alexandru Ioan APAHIDEAN

Email: alexandru.apahidean@usamvcluj.ro

Affiliation: Dept. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania

Homepage:

Research Interests: Horticulture, Vegetables growing, Organic production, Effects of abiotic stresses, Waste management, Plants’ chemical profile (Antioxidants, Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Vitamins, Bioactive, Compounds, Polyphenols)

Dr. Orsolya BORSAI

Email: orsolya.borsai@usamvcluj.ro

Affiliation: Dept. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania

Homepage:

Research Interests: fruit trees; fruit production; chemical compounds of fruits (antioxidants, phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, bio-active compounds) fruit tree phenology, genetics and plant breeding; micropropagation; abiotic stress; sustainable horticulture, waste management

Prof. Monica Boscaiu

Email: mobosnea@eaf.upv.es

Affiliation: Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Spain

Homepage:

Research Interests: Her research includes examining the antioxidant levels in various plant species, particularly in relation to environmental conditions and stress responses. Her studies often focus on the accumulation of antioxidant compounds in plants as a defense mechanism against these stresses.

Summary

This special issue focuses on the significant role of bio-active compounds derived from natural sources in maintaining health and well-being. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect human cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals are produced naturally in the human body as a result of various processes, but their production can also be triggered by factors like pollution, UV radiation, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

The special issue highlights the diverse range of antioxidants found in plant extracts and their potential health benefits. These natural sources of antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices, each offering a unique array of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, , vitamins, carotenoids, saponins, essential fatty acids etc.  Each compound has its unique profile and mechanisms of action, contributing to the overall antioxidant capacity of the plant or plant-derived food products.

These compounds are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other health-promoting properties, making them central to studies on plant extracts and their health advantages. Furthermore, antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. The special issue emphasizes the importance of incorporating antioxidant-rich foods, supplements, or plant extracts into the human diet which supports overall well-being and reduces the risk of many oxidative stress-related disorders.

Keywords