Abstract
Inflammation is a natural protective mechanism that occurs when the body’s tissue homeostatic mechanisms are disrupted by biotic, physical, or chemical agents. The immune response generates pro-inflammatory mediators, but excessive output, such as chronic inflammation, contributes to many persistent diseases. Some phenolic compounds work in tandem with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators’ activity or gene expression, including cyclooxygenase (COX). Various phenolic compounds can also act on transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) or nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), to up-or downregulate elements within the antioxidant response pathways. Phenolic compounds can inhibit enzymes associated with the development of human diseases and have been used to treat various common human ailments, including hypertension, metabolic problems, incendiary infections, and neurodegenerative diseases. The inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) by phenolic compounds has been used to treat hypertension. The inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme represents a type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy, and cholinesterase inhibition has been applied to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Phenolic compounds have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties to treat skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Plant extracts and phenolic compounds exert protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by airborne particulate matter, in addition to a range of anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Dietary polyphenols have been used to prevent and treat allergy-related diseases. The chemical and biological contributions of phenolic compounds to cardiovascular disease have also been described. This review summarizes the recent progress delineating the multifunctional roles of phenolic compounds, including their anti-inflammatory properties and the molecular pathways through which they exert anti-inflammatory effects on metabolic disorders. This study also discusses current issues and potential prospects for the therapeutic application of phenolic compounds to various human diseases.
Highlights
Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites that play a vital role in protecting plants from UV radiation and disease attacks [1]
Reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (RNS) species are highly reactive oxidized molecules, including superoxide, peroxide, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide (NO), and peroxynitrite (OONO−), that are constantly produced under normal cellular conditions, such as during homeostasis, impaired antioxidant functions can lead to cellular damage, resulting in aging, disease, and cell death (Figure 1) [47]
Terminalia chebula fruits contain phenolics that present significant enzymatic inhibitory activity against mammalian-glucosidases, which could contribute to the management of blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) without causing severe adverse effects Quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetagetin, and scutellarein are naturally occurring flavonoids that function as inhibitors of human α-amylase, making them intriguing candidates for limiting starch digestion (Figure 7) [34]
Summary
Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites that play a vital role in protecting plants from UV radiation and disease attacks [1] They are naturally occurring compounds present in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and beverages. Plant polyphenols in the diet have a plethora of health benefits [6] These compounds can prevent the negative reactivity of undesired reactive oxygen/nitrogen species produced by metabolic activities in the body. Because of their potential health benefits, polyphenols and other dietary phenolics are generating much attention in the scientific world. Either alone or in combination with vitamins, such as carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C, act as antioxidants that protect the tissues in the human body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds have been used for many therapeutic purposes due to their effects on inflammation and other characteristics of human diseases, which may guide future research
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