Dietary polyphenols, along with other natural compounds occurring in fruit and vegetables, beverages such as wine and tea, extra virgin olive oil, chocolate, and other cocoa-derived products, have been reported to exert beneficial effects in a multitude of disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Historically, many of the biological actions of polyphenols have been attributed to their antioxidant properties, either through their reducing capacities per se or through their possible influences on intracellular redox status. However, during the last years, a new realisation of how nutritional antioxidants may function has been envisaged, and recent findings have suggested that, in complex biological systems and in lower amounts, typical of those attained in the diet, such molecules may exert several additional properties which are yet poorly understood.

As antioxidants, these natural compounds may protect cell constituents against oxidative damage, therefore limiting the risk of various oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the classical hydrogen-donating antioxidant activity is unlikely to be the sole explanation for cellular effects of polyphenols and other natural compounds. It is evident that such dietary nutrients are potent bioactive molecules, and a clear understanding of their precise mechanisms of action as either antioxidants or modulators of cell signaling is crucial to the evaluation of their potential as anticancer agents and inhibitors of neurodegeneration.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the precise effects of polyphenols and other natural compounds in vitro and in vivo. We are particularly interested in articles describing the molecular mechanisms of action by which these molecules exert their beneficial or toxic effects in degenerative diseases. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Role of polyphenols and other natural compounds in molecular signalling
• Role of polyphenols and other natural compounds in redox modulation
• Effect of polyphenols and other natural compounds on apoptosis induction
• Potential effect of polyphenols and other natural compounds in cancer
• Potential effect of polyphenols and other natural compounds in neurodegenerative diseases
• Potential effect of polyphenols and other natural compounds in cardiovascular diseases
• Potential effect of polyphenols and other natural compounds in stem cell proliferation and differentiation

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