Natural medicines, particularly derived from plants, animals, and microbes, have long served as the foundation for traditional medicine systems across the globe. With the resurgence of interest in herbal therapies and natural formulations, there is a growing need to critically assess their safety, efficacy, and toxicological profiles. This Collection invites contributions that bridge ethnopharmacology and modern toxicology, aiming to shed light on the complex interactions between natural compounds and human or ecological health.

The Collection seeks to explore how natural medicines contribute to therapeutic interventions while also posing potential toxic risks when improperly used or combined with conventional drugs. We welcome research, reviews, and case studies that evaluate the toxicokinetic, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and ecotoxicology of traditional and novel bioactive compounds. Manuscripts examining the molecular mechanisms of toxicity, dose-response relationships, and safety thresholds are especially encouraged.

This Collection explores the intersection of ethnopharmacology and toxicology, inviting interdisciplinary research on the safety, efficacy, and toxicological mechanisms of natural medicine in the context of global health and sustainable medicine.

This interdisciplinary Collection will be of interest to toxicologists, pharmacologists, ethnobotanists, environmental scientists, and public health professionals concerned with the safe integration of natural medicines into healthcare systems. Contributions that engage with regulatory aspects, community-based toxicovigilance, or comparative analyses between traditional knowledge and scientific toxicology are particularly welcome.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: Natural medicine, traditional medicine, toxicology, pharmacology, risk assessment, health effect, safety, dose-response relationship

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a diverse group of organic compounds characterized by multiple fused aromatic rings. These compounds primarily arise from the incomplete combustion of organic materials, which can occur in various contexts, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and natural events such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions. PAHs are pervasive in the environment; they have been detected in air, soil, water, and sediments, and can enter the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

The formation and persistence of PAHs in the environment are largely influenced by their hydrophobic nature, which causes them to adhere to particulate matter. This affinity facilitates their transport and enhances their stability, raising significant concerns about their long-term effects on both human health and ecosystems. Epidemiological studies and toxicological research have linked PAH exposure to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and several forms of cancer. Their potential carcinogenic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting properties have been extensively studied, emphasizing the critical need for a deeper understanding of their toxicological mechanisms and exposure pathways.

As environmental pollution escalates, particularly in the context of urbanization and industrialization, addressing the challenges posed by PAHs becomes increasingly urgent. New industrial practices and energy transitions aimed at combating climate change may inadvertently lead to increased PAH emissions, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this area. By elucidating the complex interactions between PAHs and biological systems, we can gain valuable insights into their impacts and develop effective strategies for risk mitigation.

We invite researchers to contribute to this Collection, which serves as a platform for advancing knowledge on the toxicological implications of PAHs. We encourage submissions that explore a wide range of topics, including environmental fate, human exposure assessments, mechanistic studies, and risk characterization, with the ultimate goal of informing effective regulatory measures and public health interventions.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Mechanisms of PAHs toxicity

- Human health risk assessments for PAHs exposure

- Environmental fate and transport of PAHs

- Strategies for PAHs remediation

- Novel analytical techniques for PAHs detection

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; PAHs; exposure assessment; toxicology; mechanism of action; health effect; risk assessment; bioanalysis; bioavailability