Polyphenol molecular targets

Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring phytochemicals characterized by multiple phenol groups, which interact with a wide array of molecular targets rather than a single specific receptor [Fraga et al., 2019]. These targets include key enzymes such as cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenases (LOX), transcription factors like Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Nrf2, and signaling proteins such as Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) [Zhou et al., 2016]. By modulating these pathways, polyphenols exert pleiotropic effects including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities [Tsao, 2010]. Their role in disease is primarily protective, showing potential in mitigating the progression of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and various cancers by reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation [Scalbert et al., 2005]. Despite their therapeutic potential, polyphenols often face challenges such as low systemic bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and non-specific binding, which complicate their development as conventional pharmaceutical agents [D'Archivio et al., 2010].

Other names

Phytochemical targetsDietary polyphenol targetsPolyphenol-binding proteinsPlant polyphenol receptors

Polyphenols modulate multiple molecular pathways including the activation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), inhibition of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, activation of the Nrf2-ARE antioxidant pathway, and direct inhibition of enzymes such as COX-2 and LOX [Fraga et al., 2019; Zhou et al., 2016].