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Microbes & Immunity

EDITORIAL
Exploring natural products: Novel insights

and therapeutic potential of plant-based
compounds

Bashar Saad *
1,2
1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
2 Research Center, Al-Qasemi Academic College, Baga Algharbiya, Israel
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Natural Products in the Prevention and Treatment of
Microbiological, Immunological, and Infectious Diseases: Integrating Wild Edible Plants and
Beyond)

Natural products, derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, are compounds
that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now increasingly
recognized for their therapeutic potential. These substances, which include a wide array
of bioactive molecules such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, offer a rich source
of novel treatments for various diseases. Their diverse mechanisms of action and safety
profiles make them valuable in developing new pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. As
research advances, natural products continue to play a pivotal role in drug discovery,
offering innovative ways to address health challenges and improve well-being. 1,2

A diet based on natural products and plants has long been a fundamental source
of both nourishment and medicine for humanity. While plant-based foods are a staple
for nutritional support, many people worldwide also turn to botanical remedies to
address their health needs, whether through traditional practices or complementary and
*Corresponding author: alternative medicine. Today, there is a global resurgence in the interest and use of plant-
Bashar Saad based therapies and botanical health products. This renewed enthusiasm for herbal
(bashar.saad@aaup.edu) medicine has prompted increased scientific investigations into the pharmacologically
Citation: Saad B. Exploring natural active compounds found in medicinal plants, deepening our understanding of their
products: Novel insights and potential health benefits. 1,2
therapeutic potential of plant-based
compounds. Microbes & Immunity. Wild edible plants, rich in secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and terpenoids,
2024;1(2):1-2.
doi: 10.36922/mi.4453 are excellent candidates for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods. For instance, the
Mediterranean region is celebrated for its diverse array of wild edible plants, which are
Received: August 6, 2024
integral to the local diet. These plants have long been recognized by local communities
Published Online: September 20, for their nutritional, protective, and medicinal benefits, well before these advantages
2024 were scientifically proven. In the eastern Mediterranean region, wild edible plants remain
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). highly valued as sources of healthy food and are frequently harvested by women in rural
This is an Open-Access article areas, providing both sustenance and a source of income in economically constrained
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution regions. 3,4
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, A diet rich in medicinal plants supports balanced immune function, which is crucial
provided the original work is for defending the body against microbial invaders. Immunomodulators, which can either
properly cited. enhance or suppress the immune response, play a critical role in this process. Plant-based
Publisher’s Note: AccScience secondary metabolites have shown significant potential as natural immunomodulators,
Publishing remains neutral with offering a promising alternative to conventional immunosuppressants and
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional immunostimulant drugs that often elicit severe side effects. Many plant species exhibit
affiliations. strong immunomodulating properties due to their ability to interact with the immune

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/mi.4453