Abstract
Cumulatively, degenerative disease is one of the most fatal groups of diseases, and it contributes to the mortality and poor quality of life in the world while increasing the economic burden of the sufferers. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the major pathogenic causes of degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although a number of synthetic medications are used to treat these diseases, none of the current regimens are completely safe. Phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, and terpenes) from natural products such as dietary fruits, vegetables, and spices are potential sources of alternative medications to attenuate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with degenerative diseases. Based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, some of these active compounds have shown good promise for development into novel agents for treating RA, DM, and CVD by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, phytochemicals from natural products with the potential of ameliorating degenerative disease involving the bone, metabolism, and the heart are described.
Highlights
Degenerative diseases occur due to the continuous deterioration of cells and tissues that affects major organs
Many studies have demonstrated that phytochemicals are important therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress and inflammation, which are the major culprits in the pathogenesis of chronic degenerative diseases [11, 12]
We discussed the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which involve the heart, metabolism and the joints, respectively, and we discussed the use of phytochemicals in attenuating the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with these chronic diseases
Summary
Degenerative diseases occur due to the continuous deterioration of cells and tissues that affects major organs Both oxidative stress and inflammation are considered major role players in the pathogenesis of chronic degenerative diseases including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [1], diabetes mellitus (DM) [2], and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [3]. Many studies have demonstrated that phytochemicals are important therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress and inflammation, which are the major culprits in the pathogenesis of chronic degenerative diseases [11, 12]. Some of these phytochemicals are good candidates for future drug discovery and development to treat degenerative diseases [13,14,15,16]. We discussed the pathogenesis of CVDs, DM, and RA, which involve the heart, metabolism and the joints, respectively, and we discussed the use of phytochemicals (which are synthesized by fruits, vegetables, and spices) in attenuating the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with these chronic diseases
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