Dietary polyphenols are a large and structurally diverse group of phytochemicals naturally occurring in plants, characterized by the presence of multiple hydroxyl groups attached to aromatic rings. These compounds are ubiquitous in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and wine, and they are not essential nutrients but exert significant biological effects in human physiology. In the context of hormonal health, they are studied for their potential to modulate enzyme activity, receptor signaling, and oxidative stress pathways. Their consumption is frequently associated with reduced risk of chronic, age-related diseases.
Origin
The term ‘polyphenol’ is a chemical descriptor, combining the Greek prefix poly- meaning ‘many’ and phenol, a term for an aromatic ring bonded to a hydroxyl group. While the compounds themselves have been part of the human diet throughout history, their specific classification and intensive study as bioactive food components began in the mid-20th century. Research into their endocrine-disrupting or protective effects has accelerated in recent decades. The field of nutritional endocrinology increasingly recognizes their regulatory potential.
Mechanism
The mechanism of action for dietary polyphenols is pleiotropic, involving both direct antioxidant activity and indirect modulation of cellular signaling. Many polyphenols can scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative damage to cellular structures and DNA. Crucially, they can also influence the expression of genes involved in inflammation and metabolism, such as those related to the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Nrf2 pathways. Certain polyphenols, like isoflavones, function as phytoestrogens, weakly binding to estrogen receptors and exerting mild hormonal effects.
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