Therapeutic Potential of Phytocompounds in Natural Product Derived Drug Discovery

The field of natural product research has long been a cornerstone of drug discovery, offering an abundant source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Recent studies highlight the significant role of phytocompounds—naturally occurring chemical constituents derived from plants—in the identification and development of novel pharmacological agents. With the rise of multidrug resistance and the urgent need for new, effective therapies, the search for innovative drugs from natural origins has gained renewed interest. However, despite notable successes, challenges persist in translating the vast chemical diversity of phytochemicals into clinically approved drugs. Comprehensive characterization methods, mechanistic studies, and advanced pharmacological evaluations are crucial to deepen our understanding of these compounds. Ongoing debates persist regarding the optimization of extraction, identification, and functional validation of plant-derived substances, and recent research continues to enhance our knowledge of their therapeutic applications and underlying molecular mechanisms.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive platform for recent breakthroughs in the identification, characterization, and development of phytocompounds as therapeutic agents. We seek to showcase cutting-edge advances in analytical techniques, pharmacological profiling, and innovative strategies in natural product derived drug discovery. In particular, we encourage contributions exploring both the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects of phytochemicals, as well as studies that address the translation of these findings from bench to bedside. Key questions to be addressed include: Which phytocompounds demonstrate the most promising pharmacological profiles? What novel methods are being utilized for their identification and validation? How can current challenges in their development and clinical application be overcome?To further our understanding in this area, this Research Topic welcomes original research, review articles, and perspectives that focus on the therapeutic potential of phytocompounds and their role in natural product derived drug discovery. We encourage submissions covering, but not limited to, the following themes:Innovative methods for isolation and structural elucidation of phytochemicalsPharmacological mechanisms and molecular targets of natural productsPreclinical and clinical evaluations of phytocompoundsAdvances in bioinformatics and cheminformatics in natural product researchStrategies for overcoming challenges in drug development from plant sourcesCase studies highlighting successful translation from natural extract to approved therapyAppendix: Article types accepted include original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives.Please note:All studies must adhere to the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology and the ConPhyMP statement (Front. Pharmacol., 13:953205). Manuscripts must include detailed descriptions of biological material, extraction methods, and processing procedures; submissions lacking these details will be desk-rejected. The required standards are detailed in the full ConPhyMP statement (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.953205/full); a ConPhyMP statement overview (https://ga-online.org/best-practice/) and the GA-tool (https://ga-online.org/best-practice/#conphymp) are also available.Authors are encouraged to self-assess their manuscripts using the ConPhyMP tool before submission.In silico network (‘pharmacological’) studies of complex mixtures do not result in specific pharmacologically relevant findings and will not be considered.Bibliometric studies do not contribute to pharmacological evidence mapping and will not be considered. Topic editors: Yong Liang, Dineth Nagahawatta Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80662/therapeutic-potential-of-phytocompounds-in-natural-product-derived-drug-discovery