Polyphenols as Adjuvant Treatment for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): A Review

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex clinical syndrome driven by systemic inflammation, persistent oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics. Despite recent therapeutic advances, the management of these specific pathophysiological mechanisms remains a challenge. Polyphenols, bioactive compounds found in plants, have emerged as potential modulators of these pathways. Objective: This review critically summarizes the pathophysiological and molecular evidence supporting the role of polyphenols-specifically phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignans-in attenuating key pathways implicated in the progression of HFpEF, while also addressing the current limitations in clinical translation. Results: Preclinical evidence indicates that polyphenols regulate cellular homeostasis by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant axis and AMPK/SIRT1 metabolic pathways, while inhibiting NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory signals and TGF-β fibrotic pathways. These molecular actions collectively preserve endothelial function via PI3K/Akt/eNOS, reduce interstitial fibrosis, and improve myocardial metabolic efficiency. Furthermore, the modulation of gut microbiota amplifies these systemic effects, particularly in obesity-related phenotypes. However, direct clinical application is currently hindered by low bioavailability and a scarcity of randomized trials specifically in HFpEF populations. Polyphenols represent a promising and biologically plausible nutritional therapeutic axis for the multidimensional management of HFpEF. While the molecular rationale is strong, future research should focus on improving bioavailability and conducting high-quality clinical trials to validate efficacy as an adjuvant therapy.