Phytotherapeutics | Ongoing Call for Papers

The Role of Phytotherapy in the 'One Health' Approach 

Phytochemicals in Drug Discovery and Development

Advances in Controlled-Release Delivery Systems for Phytotherapeutics

The Phytotherapeutics and Natural products section of DTI focuses on the health-promoting effects of natural products and phytotherapeutics, as promising agents in the prevention and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases.  

Both preclinical (in vitro/in vivo) and clinical (in humans) studies are welcome

Go to author guidelines      Request additional information


Marcello Iriti (ORCID | Scopus Author IDGoogle Scholar ID)
Section Editor for Natural Products & Phytotherapeutics

Article types
Short communication; Full research paper; Mini-review; Full-length review paper

Journal information
Impact Factor 2024: 2.5
Scimago - Journal & Country Rank | Web of Science - Master Journal List | About this journal

Publisher information
AboutScience


The Role of Phytotherapy in the 'One Health' Approach

The 'One Health' approach, which recognizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, has become a pivotal framework for addressing global health challenges. Phytotherapy, with its foundation in plant-based therapeutics, offers sustainable and integrative solutions to health issues spanning these domains. From combating zoonotic diseases to mitigating environmental impacts of conventional treatments, phytotherapy is uniquely positioned to support the holistic goals of One Health.

We invite researchers and policymakers to contribute to this topic, which aims to explore the multifaceted role of phytotherapy in advancing the One Health paradigm. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Human Health: Innovations in phytotherapy for treating infectious and chronic diseases, with an emphasis on plant-derived compounds as alternatives to synthetic drugs.
  • Animal Health: The application of phytotherapeutics in veterinary medicine for disease prevention and treatment, reducing antibiotic resistance, and improving livestock productivity.
  • Environmental Health: Sustainable cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants, ecological impacts of phytotherapy, and strategies to integrate plant-based treatments into environmental conservation practices.
  • Integrated Approaches: Case studies, policies, and frameworks demonstrating the application of phytotherapy within One Health strategies to address complex global health issues.

 

Phytochemicals in Drug Discovery and Development

The growing field of phytochemistry continues to unravel the untapped therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds. As the global demand for innovative, sustainable, and effective treatments intensifies, phytochemicals have emerged as a cornerstone in drug discovery and development.

We invite researchers, scientists, and professionals to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies exploring the multifaceted role of phytochemicals in modern medicine.

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Novel Bioactive Compounds: With vast regions of the world still unexplored for their botanical treasures, there lies an opportunity to isolate and characterize unique phytochemicals from endemic and underutilized plants. Papers in this area may focus on innovative methods for compound extraction, structural elucidation, and bioactivity profiling.
  • Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR): Understanding the molecular underpinnings of how phytochemicals exert their biological effects is crucial for advancing their clinical application. Submissions may include SAR studies, computational modeling, and mechanism-of-action investigations to deepen our knowledge of plant-derived compounds.

 

Advances in Controlled-Release Delivery Systems for Phytotherapeutics

The therapeutic potential of phytochemicals is undeniable, yet their effective clinical application often hinges on overcoming challenges in bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. Advances in controlled-release delivery systems have opened new horizons for optimizing the efficacy of plant-derived therapeutics, ensuring their sustained release, enhanced absorption, and precise targeting.

We invite researchers, clinicians, and innovators to submit cutting-edge research, reviews, and case studies exploring the development and application of advanced delivery systems for phytotherapeutics.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Nanotechnology: Nanoparticle-based systems have revolutionized drug delivery by improving bioavailability, enhancing stability, and enabling targeted delivery of phytochemicals. Contributions may focus on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of nanoparticle formulations tailored for plant-derived compounds.
  • Hydrogels and Liposomes: Advanced formulations, including hydrogels and liposomes, provide promising solutions for the controlled release of phytochemicals. We welcome studies on their fabrication, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo performance in delivering therapeutic plant compounds.
  • Transdermal Patches and Oral Thin Films: Innovative delivery methods such as transdermal patches and oral thin films are transforming how phytotherapeutics are administered, offering convenience, precision, and improved patient compliance. Submissions could include novel formulation techniques, clinical evaluations, and commercialization strategies.