Polyphenols as possible alternative agents in chronic fatigue: a review

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a pathological state of extreme tiredness that lasts more than six months and may possess an impact on the social, emotional, or occupational functioning of an individual. CFS is characterized by profound disabling fatigue associated with infectious, rheumatological, and neurological symptoms. The current pharmacological treatment for CFS does not offer a complete cure for the disease, and none of the available treatments show promising results. The exact mechanism of the pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown, with current suggestions indicating the overlapping roles of the immune system, central nervous system, and neuroendocrine system. However, the pathological mechanism revolves around inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Polyphenols are the most abundant secondary metabolites of plant origin, with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and can exert protective activity against a whole range of disorders. The current review is aimed at highlighting the emerging role of polyphenols in CFS from both preclinical and clinical studies. Numerous agents of this class have shown promising results in different in vitro and in vivo models of chronic fatigue/CFS, predominantly by counteracting oxidative stress and the inflammatory cascade. The clinical data in this regard is still very limited and needs expanding through randomized, placebo-controlled studies to draw final conclusions on whether polyphenols may be a class of clinically effective nutraceuticals in patients with CFS. Graphical abstract

Antifatigue Effects of the Aqueous Extracts of Myrtle Berries, Apple and Clove: An Animal Study

“…Considering the significance of oxidative stress and inflammation in fatigue, these substances can effectively reduce fatigue due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects ( 51 ). Also, the effectiveness of polyphenols in alleviating chronic fatigue has been proven ( 52 ). The flavonoids and polyphenols of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra) demonstrated anti-fatigue effects by reducing the level of MDA and increasing the level of SOD and glycogen reserves ( 53 ).…”

Bioactive Compounds in Citrus reticulata Peel Are Potential Candidates for Alleviating Physical Fatigue through a Triad Approach of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Modeling

“…Fatigue, which originates from the Latin word fatigare, referring to “to tire,” is characterized as extreme tiredness caused by physical or mental exertion or disease [ 1 ]. Fatigue can be central (mental) or peripheral (physical), both of which affect more than 20% of the global population [ 2 ].…”

Insights into the potential benefits of triphala polyphenols toward the promotion of resilience against stress-induced depression and cognitive impairment

“…In general, polyphenols are the main components of triphala. Interestingly, polyphenols have recently attracted major attention as one of the most attractive molecules for drug discovery and application in the pharmacological setting ( Ullah et al, 2022 ; Wu et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, a growing number of scientific publications have been published about triphala in recent years.…”