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Nutritional antioxidants and adaptive cell responses: an update
A Speciale1, J Chirafisi, A Saija
1Dept. Farmaco-Biologico, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Current Molecular Medicine
|October 18, 2011
Summary
Plant antioxidants offer health benefits beyond simple antioxidant action. Low doses act as hormetic stressors, activating cell defenses and potentially preventing diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Plant-derived antioxidants are known to prevent free radical-related diseases.
- Their in vivo benefits may extend beyond simple antioxidant activity.
- Emerging evidence suggests hormetic properties of phytochemicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review adaptive responses induced by plant hormetic antioxidants.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses.
- To highlight potential health-promoting dietary interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of plant hormetic antioxidants.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms including Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, and Sirtuin-FOXO pathways.
- Examination of adaptive cellular responses to low-dose phytochemical stress.
Main Results:
- Several plant antioxidants (sulforaphane, resveratrol, curcumin, flavonoids, green tea catechins, diallylsulphides) exhibit hormetic properties.
- Low doses activate cell signaling pathways, while high doses are cytotoxic.
- Hormetic effects prime cells to resist severe stress.
Conclusions:
- Plant hormetic antioxidants induce adaptive cellular responses.
- Their hormetic properties can be leveraged for health interventions.
- Potential applications include neurodegenerative diseases and cancer prevention.
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