Plant-Derived Bioactives and Nanocarrier Platforms for Anti-Parasitic and Organ-Protective Therapeutics

Bioactive phytochemicals represent an expanding frontier in molecular biosciences, offering multifaceted therapeutic potential against parasitic infections and associated cellular damage. Despite their structural diversity and broad pharmacological activities, challenges such as instability, poor bioavailability, and limited tissue targeting restrict their clinical translation. Conventional antiparasitic drugs are increasingly compromised by toxicity and resistance, emphasizing the need for alternative treatment paradigms. Recent years have seen significant interest in molecular elucidation of the mechanisms through which plant-derived compounds—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic derivatives—modulate redox balance, inflammation, and apoptotic processes. Concurrently, innovations in nanotechnology have begun to bridge the translational gap by enabling targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved pharmacokinetic profiles for these bioactives. However, deeper understanding of the molecular interactions between nanocarriers, phytochemicals, and host-parasite systems remains limited, warranting integrative research at the interface of natural products, nanoscience, and molecular biology.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the molecular and nanotechnological principles underpinning the antiparasitic and cytoprotective properties of plant-derived bioactives. It seeks to stimulate interdisciplinary exploration of how nanocarrier systems can enhance therapeutic precision, stability, and efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. By investigating key molecular targets, cell signaling mechanisms, and nano-bio interactions, researchers will help define strategies for next-generation therapeutics that jointly promote parasite control and host tissue resilience. Mechanistic, in vitro, in vivo, and translational approaches are encouraged to uncover new paradigms for phytochemical-based therapy optimization.To gather further insights at the intersection of molecular pharmacology, nanobiotechnology, and therapeutic development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Molecular mechanisms underlying antiparasitic activity of plant-derived bioactive compounds- Cellular and biochemical processes involved in cytoprotective and organ-preserving effects- Nanocarrier systems (polymeric, lipid-based, hybrid) designed for enhanced phytochemical delivery and bioavailability- Nano-bio interface studies exploring molecular responses and targeted release mechanisms- Omics-guided, mechanistic, and translational investigations supporting preclinical or clinical advancement Topic editors: Luis Fernando Méndez López, Edna J. Nava-Gonzalez, Dr. Adil Khan, Paulina Delgado González Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81561/plant-derived-bioactives-and-nanocarrier-platforms-for-anti-parasitic-and-organ-protective-therapeutics