Natural Bioactives: Molecular Determinants of Bioaccessibility, Metabolism, and Health Effects

Natural bioactive compounds have attracted increasing scientific and industrial interest due to their potential health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory activities. These compounds, derived from plants, microalgae, fungi, marine organisms, and microbial systems, are highly relevant for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, and translational health. However, the biological efficacy of natural bioactives depends on multiple factors beyond their chemical composition. Processes such as digestion, food matrix interactions, bioaccessibility, absorption, metabolism, and gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation critically influence their stability, bioavailability, and physiological activity. Consequently, many compounds that demonstrate promising in vitro bioactivity fail to produce consistent effects in vivo. Recent advances in analytical chemistry, omics technologies, artificial intelligence, computational biology, and sustainable extraction and processing methods have significantly expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the functionality of natural bioactives. In parallel, innovative delivery systems, in vitro and in vivo digestion models, and microbiome-based approaches are improving the assessment of compound stability, metabolism, and mechanisms of action.This Research Topic welcomes experimental, computational, translational, and methodological studies, including original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and short communications, addressing the molecular determinants underlying the bioaccessibility, metabolism, and health effects of natural bioactive compounds. Contributions focusing on compounds derived from plants, microalgae, fungi, marine organisms, microbial systems, and agro-industrial by-products are particularly encouraged.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• Advanced analytical characterization of natural bioactives • Bioaccessibility and bioavailability assessment models • Gut microbiota interactions and microbial biotransformation • Molecular and cellular mechanisms of action • Metabolomics, lipidomics, and other omics-based approaches • Artificial intelligence-assisted discovery and prediction of bioactivity • Encapsulation technologies and delivery systems • Sustainable extraction and processing strategies • Translational applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, and human health Studies integrating multidisciplinary approaches and providing mechanistic insights into the functionality, efficacy, and translational potential of natural bioactive compounds are especially welcome. Topic editors: Mariane Bittencourt Fagundes, Tatiele Casagrande Do Nascimento, ANDRESSA FERNANDES Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81882/natural-bioactives-molecular-determinants-of-bioaccessibility-metabolism-and-health-effects