Therapeutic potential of plant polyphenolics and their mechanistic action against various diseases

Abstract

Secondary metabolites such as polyphenols are naturally existing compounds which are especially found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and various other beverages. These defensive bio-active compounds possess broad range of biological activities in providing treatment against various diseases. Increased dietary intake of polyphenols has been reported to lower the risk of chronic diseases, where, oxidative stress is the main causative factor. Oxidative stress can cause oxidative damage to biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. They play a vital role in the pathogenesis of aging and other degenerative diseases. Humans possess potent antioxidant defense mechanisms to combat with the altered redox balance which results from excessive generation of free radicals produced during increased oxidative stress. The mechanism by which they exert beneficial effects includes scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), blocking of ROS production, and sequestering of transition metals and antioxidant mechanisms which are produced endogenously and supplied through diet, which is exogenous. Dietary polyphenols have attracted increased attention for study against various disease mechanisms because of their potent antioxidant, antiaging, anticancer, anti-inflammation, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protection activities. Even though various biological properties of polyphenols have been elucidated, the potent mechanism by which these compounds act in providing beneficial effects in human health against various diseases still needs to be explored. The absorption efficacy of these compounds should be taken into consideration while using in clinical applications. Knowledge of mechanism of action and bioavailability might increase the understanding of biological activity of polyphenols within target tissues. This chapter has emphasized the classification of dietary polyphenolics and bioavailability along with their beneficial mechanism of action in treating various diseases. The chapter will certainly throw limelight in making use of dietary polyphenols as an effective treatment regimen in prevention against various diseases.