Phytochemical Modulation of Inflammatory Biomarkers, Enzymatic Mediators and Molecular Signaling Pathway: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Inflammation is characterized by a complex biological reaction caused by various harmful stimuli that are, for example, infectious agents, injuries, toxins, or oxidative stress. Although chronic inflammation is crucial for the protection and self-healing of the body from external attacks, there is no doubt that this phenomenon is also known to play the role of the triggering agent for the development of various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disorders, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and even cancer. The processes mentioned above can be regulated by several mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species, through molecular mechanisms. The traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, for example NSAIDs and corticosteroids, are extremely effective; however, they cannot be used on a daily basis due to possible side effects. As a result, today plant medicine became quite common. Natural substances include a range of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, and coumarins that have anti-inflammatory effects.