Mecanismo De ação Flavonoide

There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence

that dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory activity.

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) have long been used to combat inflammation. Recently,

cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been developed

and recommended for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

and osteoarthritis (OA). However, two COX inhibitors have

been withdrawn from the market due to unexpected side effects.

Because conventional therapeutic and surgical approaches have

not been able to fully control the incidence and outcome of

many inflammatory diseases, there is an urgent need to find

safer compounds and to develop mechanism-based approaches

for the management of these diseases. Polyphenols are found

in many dietary plant products, including fruits, vegetables,

beverages, herbs, and spices. Several of these compounds have

been found to inhibit the inflammation process as well as

tumorigenesis in experimental animals; they can also exhibit

potent biological properties. In addition, epidemiological

studies have indicated that populations who consume foods rich

in specific polyphenols have lower incidences of inflammatory

disease. This paper provides an overview of the research

approaches that can be used to unravel the biology and health

effects of polyphenols. Polyphenols have diverse biological

effects, however, this review will focus on some of the pivotal

molecular targets that directly affect the inflammation process.mechanism by which the body fights infection or

injury from bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.

The defining clinical features of inflammation are

known in Latin as rubor (redness), calor (warmth),

tumor (swelling) and dolor (pain). These hallmarks

of inflammation were first described by

Aurelius Cornelius, a Roman physician and medical

writer who lived from about 30 B.C. to 45 A.D.

The redness and swelling that occurs at the site

of a wound is due to the widening blood vessels

to allow specialized white blood cells to enter and

battle the pathogens. Following this process, the

inflammation fades and healing begins. Excessive