Effects of polyphenol-rich plant products on the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway

Abstract

Polyphenols are found in high quanitities in all parts of plants such as roots, seeds, flowers, leaves, branches, and stems and also in herbal products such as green tea, coffee, cocoa, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, and grapes. The antioxidant, anticarcinogen, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial effects of polyphenols are reported in studies. In recent years, researchers have leaned towards illuminating the molecular mechanisms that play a role in the anticarcinogenic effects of these compounds. However, the fact that action mechanisms differ according to the cancer cell type, and that bioavailability is limited, necessitates the development of cancer-specific approaches that will increase bioavailability. In this review, the mechanisms of action of polyphenol-rich plant products, on the nuclear factor-kappa B protein, which is bound to the inhibitory IkB protein and maintained inactive, is discussed.