Phytotherapies and their therapeutic applications

A call for papers

The therapeutic applications of phytotherapies are crucial to the scientific community as they offer potential for novel drug discovery, cost-effective treatments, and alternatives to conventional medicine. They validate traditional medicine practices, promote biodiversity conservation, and enhance understanding of biological mechanisms. Scientific validation ensures safety and efficacy, integrating phytotherapies into mainstream healthcare and supporting global health equity.

We encourage the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and insightful case studies on the following topics, but not limited to: 

  • Potential for Novel Drug Discovery: Plants have a rich diversity of bioactive compounds that can serve as lead compounds for new drug development. Many modern pharmaceuticals are derived from or inspired by compounds found in plants. 
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Phytotherapies provide alternative treatment options for patients seeking natural or holistic approaches to health. They are especially popular in the treatment of chronic diseases where conventional medicine may not be as effective or may cause significant side effects
  • Cost-Effective Treatments: In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, access to conventional pharmaceuticals is limited due to high costs. Phytotherapies can offer more affordable and accessible treatment options for a variety of ailments .
  • Cultural and Historical Relevance: Traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Native American medicine, have utilized phytotherapies for centuries. Studying these practices not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also provides insights into potential new treatments 
  • Scientific Validation and Safety: Rigorous scientific research on phytotherapies helps validate their efficacy and safety. This is crucial for integrating these therapies into mainstream medical practice and ensuring that they are used effectively and without undue risk
  • Sustainability and Conservation: Research into phytotherapies can promote the sustainable use of plant resources and conservation of biodiversity. It encourages the cultivation of medicinal plants and the protection of their natural habitats, ensuring that these valuable resources are available for future generations
  • Understanding Mechanisms of Action: Investigating how phytotherapeutic agents work at a molecular level can enhance our understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms. This knowledge can contribute to broader scientific advancements beyond just the development of new treatments

By exploring and validating the therapeutic applications of phytotherapies, the scientific community can unlock new avenues for medical treatments, promote global health equity, and deepen our understanding of both traditional and modern medicine.

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

➔ Go to author guidelines     ➔ Request additional information

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

Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan - Italy

Professor of Plant Biology and Pathology at the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Milan State University, Marcello Iriti has been studying nutraceuticals, functional foods, phytotherapeutics and essential oils relevant for human and animal health, focusing on their preclinical (in vitro/in vivo) and in human pharmacological activities.
He has been investigating the health-promoting effects of traditional Mediterranean diet as well as the ethnopharmacology of herbal remedies of traditional healing systems.
He is member of the World Academy of Sciences and of the Asian Council of Science Editors as well as founding member of the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine and member of the Working Group "Pharmacognosy, Phytotherapy and Nutraceuticals" of the Italian Pharmacological Society.

Main Patent:
Compositions Comprising Rutin Useful for the Treatment of Tumors Resistant to Chemotherapy (WO2015036875A1; US20160213698; US9757405B2; EP3043821).

About the Journal
Impact Factor 2023: 2.0
PubMed | Scimago | Scopus | Web of Science

About this journal | About the publisher