Food matrixes, mainly of vegetable origin, contain metabolites that, when combined with other lifestyle interventions, can promote human health and well-being. Secondary metabolites from plants have been demonstrated to protect humans against oxidative damage, which contributes to the development of chronic degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases, as well as cancer. Furthermore, specific classes of metabolites, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, act as radical scavengers and modulate intracellular redox states through the regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities.
In an attempt to discover new compounds, hemp phytocannabinoids, which are non-psychoactive and potentially beneficial to human health, have gained increasing interest. The pharmacology of minor cannabinoids remains incomplete, but studies indicate that they have antagonistic and agonistic effects on a number of receptors, including the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, vanilloid receptor 1 (TrpV1), and serotonin 5-HT1a receptor. These receptors are involved in the cellular processes that cause neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and cancer.
A complete understanding of the mechanisms of action of metabolites is still elusive, as is knowledge of the mechanisms underlying chronic degenerative conditions. The combination of specific metabolites enhances the antiproliferative effects as well as redox metabolism. Their ability to activate multiple signaling pathways may yield a synergistic effect that will require further investigation to determine how they perform their preventive function against chronic diseases. This Research Topic aims to identify potential molecular targets of metabolites and to develop new innovative functional formulations.
The purpose of this collection is to provide a comprehensive analysis of metabolites, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, as well as hemp phytocannabinoids, with regards to their potential protective impact on degenerative diseases. We welcome manuscripts (Original Research, Perspectives, Mini Reviews, Commentaries, and Opinions) assessing the biological effects of Carotenoids, polyphenols and phytocannabinoids. The focus should be on the modulation of processes, including autophagy, senescence, and redox cellular metabolism of carotenoids and phytocannabinoids relevant in the prevention of chronic diseases:
- In vivo and in vitro studies on the effects of formulation using such metabolites
- Development and assessment of innovative formulations of the aforementioned metabolites
- Assessment of approaches and technologies for improving the bioavailability of these metabolites
- The effect and mechanisms of carotenoids and phytocannabinoids on cellular redox state involved in several pathological conditions
All the manuscripts submitted to the collection will need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version
here).). We also expect that the MS follow the standards established in the
ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. Specifically please note, chemical anti-oxidant assays like the DPPH assay are of no pharmacological relevance but are simply chemical and analytical tools . Therefore, they cannot be used in a pharmacological assessment.