Plant Polyphenols as Context-Dependent Modulators of Cellular Signalling Networks
Plant-derived polyphenols have attracted considerable attention because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory activities. However, despite extensive research, their biological actions are stil
Recent literature has highlighted the need to re-evaluate how plant-derived polyphenols influence cellular processes. While these compounds have long been recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, current understanding often relies on oversimplified frameworks that fail to capture their complex biological behavior.
The authors of this review argue that existing models frequently treat polyphenols as single-molecule regulators of specific pathways. This perspective overlooks the pleiotropic effects observed in experimental settings, where these compounds interact with multiple targets simultaneously across different physiological conditions.
Key findings from the study include a systems-level analysis of representative polyphenols such as curcumin, quercetin, and EGCG. The research demonstrates that structural features like electrophilic centers and catechol groups significantly influence signaling tendencies by affecting chemical reactivity and target accessibility without conferring pathway exclusivity.
The authors propose a conceptual framework termed conditional signalling bias, which accounts for the dynamic interplay between chemical structure, metabolic transformation, and network state. This approach provides a more realistic interpretation of polyphenol action beyond traditional one-compound–one-pathway models.
It is important to note that this review synthesizes evidence from molecular studies, omics technologies, and translational investigations. While the proposed framework offers valuable insights for future research in cardiometabolic and neurological diseases, it remains a theoretical construct requiring further experimental validation before clinical application.