Role of Polyphenols and Other Phytochemicals on Molecular Signaling

Abstract

Optimized nutrition through supplementation of diet with plant derived phytochemicals has attracted significant attention to prevent the onset of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular impairments, cancer, and metabolic disorder. These phytonutrients alone or in combination with others are believed to impart beneficial effects and play pivotal role in metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, glucose intolerance, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Epidemiological and preclinical studies demonstrated that fruits, vegetables, and beverages rich in carotenoids, isoflavones, phytoestrogens, and phytosterols delay the onset of atherosclerosis or act as a chemoprotective agent by interacting with the underlying pathomechanisms. Phytochemicals exert their beneficial effects either by reducing the circulating levels of cholesterol or by inhibiting lipid oxidation, while others exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activities. Additionally, they reduce neointimal thickening by inhibiting proliferation of smooth muscle cells and also improve endothelium dependent vasorelaxation by modulating bioavailability of nitric-oxide and voltage-gated ion channels. However, detailed and profound knowledge on specific molecular targets of each phytochemical is very important to ensure safe use of these active compounds as a therapeutic agent. Thus, this paper reviews the active antioxidative, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, or antiangiogenesis role of various phytochemicals for prevention of chronic diseases.

Nrf2 mediates redox adaptations to exercise

“…A thorough discussion of the effects of phytonutrients or phytochemicals on Nrf2 signaling is beyond the scope of this review (see the following references for review: [78], [79]). Rather we will focus on recent work that has demonstrated the potential synergistic effect of combining exercise with known Nrf2 activators to further improve redox balance.…”

Anti‐inflammatory Potential of Quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐(“2”‐galloyl)‐glucopyranoside and Quercetin Isolated from Diospyros kaki calyx via Suppression of MAP Signaling Molecules in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

“…Therefore, it is important to determine potent agents to reduce expression of pro‐inflammatory molecules. Phytochemical extracts and compounds have been used to treat many chronic diseases (Upadhya and Dixit ). Here, we have isolated QCT and Q32G from the calyx of Diospyros kaki (DK), which is also known as Korean mango.…”

The Nutraceutical Dehydrozingerone and Its Dimer Counteract Inflammation‐ and Oxidative Stress‐Induced Dysfunction of In Vitro Cultured Human Endothelial Cells: A Novel Perspective for the Prevention and Therapy of Atherosclerosis

“…Clinical and experimental studies indicate that many nutraceuticals, food-derived bioactive compounds, in virtue of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have the potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes [15–19]. Among nutraceuticals, curcumin (CUR), the active component of Curcuma longa with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties [20–24], has been tested as a potential therapeutic agent in different pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases [25–30].…”