Bioactive Molecules from Plants: Discovery and Pharmaceutical Applications, 3rd Edition

Plants have long proven their value as a source of chemically diverse compounds with significant pharmaceutical potential. In response to the growing demand for chemical diversity in modern screening programs, the identification of novel therapeutic agents from natural sources remains a highly relevant and promising approach. This Reprint brings together a collection of recent contributions on the identification, extraction, purification, characterization, and formulation of bioactive compounds derived from plant sources. The contributions cover a broad spectrum of topics, including novel bioactive molecules with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties, as well as compounds targeting cell survival, proliferation, and signaling pathways. Particular attention is given to plant-derived proteins and peptides, such as protease inhibitors, as well as to lignans and other secondary metabolites with demonstrated biological activity. It also includes innovative delivery strategies, such as a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system targeting SARS-CoV-2 and bio-fabricated silver nanoparticles. Taken together, these contributions provide an updated overview of current research trends and highlight the continued importance of plant-based resources as a versatile and sustainable platform for the discovery, optimization, and application of new bioactive molecules.