Abstract
Today we are beginning to understand how phytochemicals can influence metabolism, cellular signaling and gene expression. The hydroxybenzoic acids are related to salicylic acid and salicin, the first compounds isolated that have a pharmacological activity. In this review we examine how a number of hydroxyphenolics have the potential to ameliorate cardiovascular problems related to aging such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. The compounds focused upon include 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Pyrocatechuic acid), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Gentisic acid), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Protocatechuic acid), 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (α-Resorcylic acid) and 3-monohydroxybenzoic acid. The latter two compounds activate the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptors with a consequence there is a reduction in adipocyte lipolysis with potential improvements of blood lipid profiles. Several of the other compounds can activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway that increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, thereby decreasing oxidative stress and associated problems such as endothelial dysfunction that leads to hypertension as well as decreasing generalized inflammation that can lead to problems such as atherosclerosis. It has been known for many years that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables promotes health. We are beginning to understand how specific phytochemicals are responsible for such therapeutic effects. Hippocrates’ dictum of ‘Let food be your medicine and medicine your food’ can now be experimentally tested and the results of such experiments will enhance the ability of nutritionists to devise specific health-promoting diets.
Highlights
The identification of salicin and salicylic acid as the chemical compounds that gave willow bark its analgesic and antipyretic properties initiated the development of the modern pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceuticals dominate the therapeutic interventions of modern Western medicine
If one were to alter diet to increase intake of particular phytochemicals, it becomes important to know how such phytochemicals affect the function of phase 1 enzymes
One must keep in mind that unlike in cell culture studies where there is a constant concentration of the compound of interest, dietary intake of sulforaphane, whether through food consumption or through gavage, results in fluctuating plasma levels where peak concentrations can result in sustained elevations of anti-oxidant proteins through activation of the Nrf2 system but only transient inactivation of the function of proteins such as xeroderma pigmentosum A
Summary
The identification of salicin and salicylic acid as the chemical compounds that gave willow bark its analgesic and antipyretic properties initiated the development of the modern pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceuticals dominate the therapeutic interventions of modern Western (allopathic) medicine. One must keep in mind that unlike in cell culture studies where there is a constant concentration of the compound of interest, dietary intake of sulforaphane, whether through food consumption or through gavage, results in fluctuating plasma levels where peak concentrations can result in sustained elevations of anti-oxidant proteins through activation of the Nrf system but only transient inactivation of the function of proteins such as xeroderma pigmentosum A. Gentisic acid inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and inhibits the formation of lipid hydroperoxides [47,48] and, decreases the probability of atherogenesis These effects of gentisic acid are usually attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals and other oxidants; gentisic acid is an Nrf activator [49] and this is the most likely relevant mechanism. For quantitative data on gentisic acid distribution in food sources see Table 1
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
