Human diet‐derived polyphenolic compounds and hepatic diseases: From therapeutic mechanisms to clinical utilization

Abstract

This review focuses on the potential ameliorative effects of polyphenolic compounds derived from human diet on hepatic diseases. It discusses the molecular mechanisms and recent advancements in clinical applications. Edible polyphenols have been found to play a therapeutic role, particularly in liver injury, liver fibrosis, NAFLD/NASH, and HCC. In the regulation of liver injury, polyphenols exhibit anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, primarily targeting the TGF‐β, NF‐κB/TLR4, PI3K/AKT, and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways. In the regulation of liver fibrosis, polyphenolic compounds effectively reverse the fibrotic process by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Furthermore, polyphenolic compounds show efficacy against NAFLD/NASH by inhibiting lipid oxidation and accumulation, mediated through the AMPK, SIRT, and PPARγ pathways. Moreover, several polyphenolic compounds exhibit anti‐HCC activity by suppressing tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This inhibition primarily involves blocking Akt and Wnt signaling, as well as inhibiting the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, clinical trials and nutritional evidence support the notion that certain polyphenols can improve liver disease and associated metabolic disorders. However, further fundamental research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of dietary polyphenols.

Network pharmacological analysis on the mechanism of Linggui Zhugan decoction for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the potential of dietary polyphenolic compounds as therapeutic agents or nutritional supplements for various liver diseases. [ 19 ] The main groups of polyphenols include flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignands, stilbenes, and curcuminoids. [ 20 ] Flavonoids, being the most abundantly occurring and extensively studied among the polyphenols, demonstrate considerable potential in treating NAFLD due to their inherent safety, widespread availability, and diverse biological activities.…”

Protective role of curcumin in disease progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

“…In addition, oxidative stress leads to activation of the NF-κB pathway through the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which, in turn, promotes the progression of LF to HCC (Urtasun et al, 2008). Curcumin can ameliorate oxidative stress by inhibiting the activity of CAT and SOD and reduce the expression of transforming growth factor TGF-β and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, thus improving LF and preventing the development of HCC (Hu et al, 2023).…”