The concept of phytopharmacology is perhaps the most assorted of all therapeutic systems. Throughout the last few decades, it has become evident that there exists a plethora of plants with pharmacological potential and it is increasingly being accepted that phytotherapy could offer potential lead compounds in the drug discovery/development process. The interest in phytotherapy could be attributed to secondary metabolites that may act individually, additively, or in synergy to improve health. Indeed, medicinal plants, unlike pharmacological drugs, commonly have bioactive constituents working together catalytically and synergistically to produce a combined effect that surpasses the total activity of the individual constituents. The combined actions of these substances tend to increase the activity of the main constituent by speeding up or slowing down its assimilation into the body. In addition, the secondary metabolites might increase the stability of the active phytonutrients, minimize the rate of undesired adverse effects, and have an additive, potentiating, or antagonistic effect. In spite of their perceived roles, studies reporting their exact mechanism of action in oxidative stress-linked disorders like diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity are limited and poorly appraised.

In view of this, the concept of a ‘mechanistic approach’ (evidence-based molecular studies, detailed structural and functional characterization, structure based molecular docking/dynamics, etc.) is currently being explored, and could find relevance and may provide useful data supporting the efficacy of phytotherapies. Ultimately, this will serve as a significant panacea for issues against the advancement of phytopharmacology. Studies in this niche hold promising scope for discovering new and novel therapeutic products of medical importance.

This Special Issue aims to collate original research articles that seek to provide an evidence-based mechanistic approach to the study of complementary and alternative medicine and invites submissions detailing the characterization and biological mechanisms of action of plant secondary metabolites in diseases associated with oxidative stress, while reporting health benefits. Novel review articles appraising the purview of the mechanism of action of plant secondary metabolites in the management of degenerative diseases are also welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Mechanistic role of plant secondary metabolites in the management of diabetes and obesity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, peptic ulcers, etc.
• Evidence of plant secondary metabolites effectiveness as an antioxidant through clinical experimentation, and in vitro and in vivo experimental models
• An understanding of the underlying factors and oxidative stress involvement in degenerative disorders
• Analytical approach to characterize and analyse plant secondary metabolites for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion toxicity (ADMET)
• Credence to the in vitro, in silico and in vivo mechanistic role of mitocans and other plant metabolites in cancer therapy