The targeted administration of specific, naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that exert a direct and measurable effect on cellular function, signaling pathways, or gene expression within the human body. These molecules are selected for their ability to promote physiological resilience, repair, and optimal function, often acting as signaling mediators or enzyme cofactors. The clinical utility of this application lies in its precision to influence specific biological targets.
Origin
The foundation of this term rests in pharmacology, nutrigenomics, and biochemistry, where ‘bioactive molecule’ describes any compound that affects living tissue. ‘Application’ emphasizes the deliberate, controlled introduction of these agents for therapeutic or health optimization purposes, moving beyond general nutritional advice.
Mechanism
Bioactive molecules function by binding to specific cellular receptors, modulating enzyme activity, or influencing transcription factors that regulate gene expression. For example, certain polyphenols can activate sirtuins, while specific peptides may enhance growth factor signaling. This direct molecular interaction allows for a targeted, non-hormonal pathway to influence cellular and systemic homeostasis.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.