Traditional and Local Medicinal Plants in Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases: Experimental Assessments and Multi-Omics Approaches

Oxidative stress is regarded as a pathological condition characterised by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defence system, resulting in cellular and molecular damage. It is increasingly recognised as a critical factor in the aetiology and pathogenesis of various age-related diseases, including osteoporosis, malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, musculoskeletal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Herbal and traditional medicinal plants represent a valuable reservoir for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and the treatment of a wide spectrum of age-related diseases. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of herbal and traditional medicinal plants-derived extracts and active compounds in preventing and treating various pathological conditions. Despite these promising findings, the precise bioactive constituents, molecular targets, and mechanisms of action remain largely elusive, owing to the inherently “multi-targeted” and “multi-approaches” nature of herbal and traditional medicinal plants. Recently, innovative interdisciplinary approaches such as metagenomics, network pharmacology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have been increasingly applied to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms and identify active compounds within herbal and traditional medicinal plants. Nonetheless, concerns regarding the long-term safety of certain herbal and traditional medicinal plants formulations persist, underscoring the need to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of herbal and traditional medicinal plants. In recent years, in silico approaches have emerged as powerful tools for predicting molecular interactions, physicochemical characteristics, and potential biological activities prior to clinical investigation. Nevertheless, validation of these computational models through in vitro and in vivo studies is essential to confirm their predictive accuracy and translational potential in terms of safety and efficacy. A synergistic approach that integrates in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models is critical, as each methodology offers complementary insights and cannot be interpreted in isolation.This collection aims to explore studies that integrate computational, experimental (in vitro and in vivo), translational, or clinical approaches in pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds. We welcome original research and review articles that explore pharmacological and biochemical properties of herbal and traditional medicinal plants in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, as well as studies employing integrative approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology.This Research Topic explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which herbal and traditional medicinal plants influence oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, and related diseases. We welcome original research integrating multi-omics approaches with experimental validation, as well as systematic reviews and perspectives rooted in clinical or experimental evidence. Submissions based solely on in silico predictions will not be considered; all studies must include validation using in vitro, in vivo, or clinical models. Authors are required to follow the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology and the ConPhyMP guidelines (Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205; https://ga-online.org/best-practice). Manuscripts must provide a detailed description of plant material, including identification, extraction, and processing methods. Submissions lacking this information will be desk-rejected. Ethical standards for research involving indigenous knowledge must be upheld, and all work should offer clear translational or policy relevance. Please consult the author guidelines for complete submission requirements. Topic editors: Bee Ling Tan, Lunawati Bennett, Ayman EL-Meghawry EL-Kenawy Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/73067/traditionaland-localmedicinal-plants-in-oxidative-stress-and-age-related-diseases-experimentalassessmentsand-multi-omics-approaches