It is known that inflammation is an evolutionarily conservative protective process and a critical survival mechanism. It is achieved by the movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into damaged tissues. These damaged tissues may be caused by infectious pathogens or substances from their metabolism (microorganisms and toxins), as well as by physical factors (radiation, burn, and trauma), or chemicals (caustic substances)[1]. The four typical symptoms of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, and pain. In general, this complex biological response leads to the restoration of homeostasis. However, a failure of this response may lead to chronic inflammation and disease, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the use of anti-inflammatory agents at the right time can avoid the occurrence of these diseases.
Plant-derived metabolites have played an important role in human health care since ancient times. In an adaptation against pathogen and environmental stress, plants produce several substances that have biological activities. These substances from secondary metabolism of plants and have multiple functions. Among the diverse functions, the anti-inflammatory action is prominent.
Applications
Anti-inflammatory agents can interfere in the pathophysiological process of inflammation to minimize tissue damage and provide greater comfort for patients. Plants represent the main source for the development of anti-inflammatory agents. The following are several examples of plant secondary metabolites used as anti-inflammatory agents.
- Phenolics used as anti-inflammatory agents
Phenolics are a group of plant secondary metabolites that occur widely throughout the plant kingdom. They are mostly derivatives or isomers of flavones, isoflavones, catechins, tocopherols, and phenolic acids. Not only do these metabolites possess anti-inflammatory properties, but some of them also reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators[2]. The plants that make up the Euphorbiaceae family, such as Euphorbiaceae acalypha hispida Burm. f., Acalypha indica L., and Phyllanthus niruri L. have rich phenolic compounds, which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory action.
- Flavonoids used as anti-inflammatory agents
Flavonoids are naturally occurring metabolites found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plants. It has been demonstrated that flavonoids are able to inhibit the expression of isoforms of inducible nitric oxide synthase, ciclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. These isoforms are responsible for the production of a amount of mediators of the inflammatory process such as cytokines, chemokines or adhesion molecules[3]. At present, there are many successful examples of flavonoids used as anti-inflammatory agents, which provide a biosafe method for the treatment of inflammation.
- Phenylpropanoids used as anti-inflammatory agents
Phenylpropanoids are parent molecules for all plant polyphenols and are the largest class of secondary metabolites produced by the shikimic acid pathway. Numerous reports have indicated that phenylpropanoids exert significant anti-inflammatory activity. The most notable example is aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) that is most frequently used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Mechanistic studies have repeatedly shown that phenylpropanoids may directly reduce the levels of non-protein inflammatory mediators such as free radicals, hydrogen peroxides, lipid peroxides, aldehydes, and the final products of lipid peroxidation[4].
What Can We Do?
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References
- Nunes, C.R.; et al. Plants as sources of anti-inflammatory agents. Molecules. 2020, 25: 3726.
- Recio M.C.; et al. Anti-inflammatory agents from plants: progress and potential. Current Medicinal Chemistry. 2012, 19: 2088-2103.
- Tuñón M.J.; et al. Potential of flavonoids as anti-inflammatory agents: modulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression and signal transduction pathways. Current Drug Metabolism. 2009, 10: 256-271.
- Korkina, L.; et al. Plant phenylpropanoids as emerging anti-inflammatory agents. Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 2011, 11: 823-835.
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