The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents

This Reprint focuses on the biological activity and therapeutic potential of naturally occurring substances. Natural products, either as single compounds or as complex extracts, have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and are now regaining attention as valuable sources for innovative therapies. The articles collected in this Reprint examine how natural compounds influence fundamental cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, senescence, differentiation, migration, and invasion. Special attention is also given to the role of soluble mediators and to the modulation of the tumor and inflammatory microenvironment. By bringing together original research and comprehensive reviews, this Reprint provides an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms through which plant-derived products and their derivatives exert beneficial effects. It highlights both experimental and translational perspectives, aiming to stimulate further research into the development of natural compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents. This Reprint is intended for scientists, clinicians, and graduate students interested in pharmacology, oncology, immunology, and natural product research.