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Natural polyphenols in ulcerative colitis: preclinical mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential
Chengu Niu1, Jing Zhang2, Patrick I Okolo3
1Internal Medicine Residency Program, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease affecting the mucosa of the rectum and colon to a variable extent. Current therapeutic strategies demonstrate only moderate efficacy, highlighting the unmet need to develop new therapies that induce and maintain remission. Encouraging results have been obtained from pre-clinical studies and a few clinical trials using natural polyphenols for ulcerative colitis treatment. In this review, we mainly examine the available evidence from both in vivo and limited clinical studies supporting the therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols on ulcerative colitis and discuss their possible mechanisms of action. Notably, the gut microbiota emerges as a particularly attractive target of natural polyphenols in ulcerative colitis therapy. In conclusion, natural polyphenols show promise as therapeutic candidates for ulcerative colitis through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, modulation of intestinal microbiota, immune response, autophagy, and enhancement of intestinal barrier function.
Insights
Natural polyphenols show promise for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by reducing inflammation and modulating gut bacteria. Further research supports their potential as novel therapeutic agents for UC management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition with limited therapeutic options.
- Current treatments offer moderate efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Natural polyphenols have shown potential in preclinical and some clinical studies for UC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols in ulcerative colitis.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action of natural polyphenols in UC.
- To highlight the role of gut microbiota as a target for polyphenol therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vivo studies.
- Analysis of limited clinical trial data.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Natural polyphenols demonstrate therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical settings for UC.
- Key mechanisms include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Modulation of gut microbiota is a significant therapeutic target.
Conclusions:
- Natural polyphenols are promising candidates for ulcerative colitis therapy.
- Multiple mechanisms contribute to their efficacy, including immune modulation and barrier enhancement.
- Targeting the gut microbiota is a key aspect of polyphenol-based UC treatment.
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