Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemical Mechanisms
Summary
Phytochemicals encompass a broad spectrum of plant-derived compounds including polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids. Many of these compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of cellular signalling pathways, suppression of pro-inflammatory enzyme activity and reduction of oxidative stress. Key actions involve inhibition of transcription factors such as NF-κB, downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and blockade of lipid-metabolising enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Phytochemicals also attenuate the production and release of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukins, and enhance the activity of endogenous antioxidant systems. The interplay between antioxidant activity and direct receptor or enzyme modulation underpins their therapeutic potential. Such mechanisms have global significance for chronic conditions including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders, and inform the development of novel phytotherapeutics.
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Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemical Mechanisms publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in anti-inflammatory phytochemical mechanisms across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polyphenols: A class of plant secondary metabolites characterised by multiple phenolic rings, noted for antioxidant and signalling activities.
Flavonoids: A subclass of polyphenols with a C6-C3-C6 structure that modulate enzymes and cellular pathways involved in inflammation.
NF-κB: A transcription factor that regulates expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines.
MAPK: Mitogen-activated protein kinases, a family of enzymes that transduce extracellular signals into cellular responses, including inflammatory processes.
COX: Cyclooxygenases, enzymes that convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, key mediators of inflammation.
LOX: Lipoxygenases, enzymes that catalyse the formation of leukotrienes and other lipid mediators from polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Cytokines: Low-molecular-weight proteins such as interleukins and tumour necrosis factor-α that mediate and regulate immune and inflammatory responses.
References
- The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Polyphenols. Nutrients (2018).
- Plants as Sources of Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Molecules (2020).
- Flavonoid Composition of Salacia senegalensis (Lam.) DC. Leaves, Evaluation of Antidermatophytic Effects, and Potential Amelioration of the Associated Inflammatory Response. Molecules (2019).
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