Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects over 30% of the global adult population. Characterized by at least 5% hepatic steatosis, MAFLD remains a significant challenge due to limited therapeutic options, with Resmetirom being the sole FDA-approved drug as of 2024. The disease is linked to insulin resistance and lipid metabolic disorders, though many mechanisms are still unclear. The focus is on AMPK, a pivotal kinase in metabolic and energy balance, which is a promising target for MAFLD management. Given the role of natural products in human life, herbal medicines offer excellent biocompatibility and potential for drug development. Over 50% of current drugs are derived from natural sources, highlighting the promise of herbal medicines in discovering novel MAFLD treatments.

This initiative seeks to establish an academic platform focused on "Innovations in MAFLD Management with Herbal Medicines Targeting AMPK Regulation." We aim to gather exceptional scientific contributions, both reviews and original research, to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying MAFLD, identify potential herbal treatments including preparations and extracts, and highlight AMPK's role in disease management. More generally, this issue will explore innovative research strategies addressing MAFLD.

We invite submissions exploring themes such as:

• Innovative strategies to prevent and overcome MAFLD
• Mechanisms and active components of herbal medicines affecting MAFLD via the AMPK pathway.
•Novel molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways influencing MAFLD pathogenesis and progression.
•Cutting-edge research techniques or strategies like organoids-on-chips, spatial metabolomics, metagenomics, single-cell sequencing, and artificial intelligence in MAFLD research and treatment.
•Other relevant topics on MAFLD prevention and herbal interventions are also welcome.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that provide new insights into these areas. Manuscripts should focus on innovative methods, comprehensive studies, and interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to the advancement of microalgae research.

Studies need to comply with the best practice guidelines of the section if plant or fungal extracts or other complex mixtures are investigated including the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology. A detailed description of the material studied, its extraction, and processing is essential. You can freely download the full version here. Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool, and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. Please note the traditional context including the primary background and modern uses with supporting references must be included in the manuscript introduction. Purely in silico approaches using complex mixtures (extracts) are generally not considered.

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Frontiers in Pharmacology

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