The search for novel sources of bioactive agents that show high efficacy, safety, and selectivity in the treatment of serious diseases has recently become the main focus of drug research. Medicinal plants in general and secondary metabolites in particular serve as crucial sources for the production of a countless number of biologically active agents which are promising chemical leads in the development of new drugs. Additionally, natural metabolites are highly popular in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries because of their broad acceptance by consumers, relative safety, and their wide range of effects.

Magnetic resonance techniques, such as NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance), have become highly useful in a huge number of innovative applications that have emerged and been established over recent years. A vast majority of modern research has utilized magnetic resonance techniques as key components for high‐throughput comparative analyses of plant extracts, based on the identification and separation of their metabolomics. This allows researchers to distinguish key plant extracts that have a wide range of benefits for use in various applications in plant science as well as compiling an extensive knowledge and understanding of plant systems biology.

In this special issue, we aim to address the roles and effectiveness of various magnetic resonance techniques in the structural elucidation, profiling, and tracing of the biosynthetic pathways of various natural metabolites. This process can ultimately lead to the discovery of new drug entities that may be useful or significant for pharmaceutical industries combating serious diseases. Additionally, metabolomics based on the profiling of natural constituents could serve as a powerful tool in the prevention of the adulteration of various medicinal agents derived either from plants or marine organisms, thereby preventing changes to their biological activity. Original research articles as well as review articles are welcomed.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Isolation and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites from plants using various magnetic resonance techniques
• Magnetic resonance techniques applied to the identification of metabolites obtained from marine organisms and their derived microorganisms
• Metabolic profiling of phytoconstituents using magnetic resonance techniques
• Chemometrics used in quality control and discrimination of plant metabolites employing magnetic resonance techniques
• Using magnetic resonance techniques in the tracing of the biosynthetic pathways of various secondary metabolites
• The importance and the role of different magnetic resonance techniques in tissue culture and biotransformation of secondary metabolites
• Various applications of MRI and EPR in the exploration and modification of natural metabolites