Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Aug 20;22(16):8995. doi: 10.3390/ijms22168995.
Polyphenols, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, are a group of specialized metabolites in plants that largely aid in plant defense by deterring biotic stressors and alleviating abiotic stress. Polyphenols offer a wide range of medical applications, acting as preventative and active treatments for diseases such as cancers and diabetes. Recently, researchers have proposed that polyphenols may contribute to certain applications aimed at tackling challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the beneficial impacts of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, could potentially help prepare society for future pandemics. Thus far, most reviews have focused on polyphenols in cancer prevention and treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the critical roles that polyphenols play in both plant chemical defense and human health based on the most recent studies while highlighting prospective avenues for future research, as well as the implications for phytochemical-based applications in both agricultural and medical fields.
多酚，如类黄酮和酚酸，是植物中一类特殊的代谢物，主要通过阻止生物胁迫和缓解非生物胁迫来帮助植物防御。多酚具有广泛的医疗应用，可作为癌症和糖尿病等疾病的预防和积极治疗方法。最近，研究人员提出多酚可能有助于应对与 COVID-19 大流行相关的某些挑战。了解植物化学物质（如多酚）的有益影响可能有助于为未来的大流行做好社会准备。到目前为止，大多数综述都集中在多酚在癌症预防和治疗方面的作用。本综述旨在根据最新研究，全面讨论多酚在植物化学防御和人类健康中的关键作用，同时强调未来研究的潜在途径，以及在农业和医疗领域基于植物化学物质应用的意义。
