From the Botanical Garden to Rational Phytotherapy: Enhancement of Biodiversity and Study of Plant Extracts and Formulations for Innovative Applications

We are pleased to invite you to submit original articles to this Special Issue entitled: “From the Botanical Garden to Rational Phytotherapy: Enhancement of Biodiversity and Study of Plant Extracts and Formulations for Innovative Applications.”The rising global demand for sustainable healthcare solutions has catalyzed a renewed interest in phytotherapy, the practice of using plant-derived compounds for therapeutic purposes. In a world grappling with the dual crises of environmental degradation and increasing healthcare disparities, phytotherapy emerges as a natural bridge between sustainable development and innovative healthcare. Rooted in traditional knowledge yet advancing through modern scientific methodologies, phytotherapy offers a compelling model for addressing some of the most pressing challenges outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Botanical gardens play unique roles in biodiversity conservation, research, and education across all aspects of botany (including medicinal plants) and ecology. Key areas of relevance in the context of medicinal and other high-value plants include access and benefit-sharing mechanisms, international collaboration, research on taxonomy and systematics, and the facilitation of interdisciplinary research in this field and many other areas.The topic aspires to contribute to the growing field of phytotherapy but also to align with global sustainability efforts, reinforcing the vital role of plants in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. Our goal is not only to deepen scientific understanding of plant-derived therapeutics but also to support global sustainability efforts by highlighting the indispensable role of plant biodiversity in fostering human health and environmental well-being. By encouraging high-quality research into medicinal plants, bioactive extracts, and eco-friendly formulations, the SI aspires to inspire novel solutions for global health challenges. Through this endeavor, we seek to underscore the necessity of ethical sourcing, conservation, and sustainable cultivation of plant species, thereby fostering a more resilient and equitable future. This aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those relating to good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and life on land. Ultimately, the SI envisions a world where the legacy of plants continues to shape healthier societies and a greener planet.The purpose of the special issue is to bridge the rich heritage of phytotherapy with cutting-edge scientific exploration. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the SI delves into the potential of herbal extracts and multicomponent herbal formulations as innovative therapeutic tools. Reviews and original research focusing on the assessment of traditional knowledge, standardization of herbal medicines, regulatory challenges, and the ecological impact of plant utilization are particularly encouraged. Authors are encouraged to adhere to the four-pillar (4P) guidance for best practice in ethnopharmacology via https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.581390/full, please also consider tools such as ConPhyMP (https://conphymp.org) to enhance methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility. By inviting diverse perspectives, the SI aims to facilitate a holistic understanding and responsible advancement of plant-based therapies, ensuring their efficacy, safety, and sustainability for current and future generations. Topic editors: Claudio Ferrante, Luigi Menghini, Leandro Rocha Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80945/from-the-botanical-garden-to-rational-phytotherapy-enhancement-of-biodiversity-and-study-of-plant-extracts-and-formulations-for-innovative-applications