Abstract:

Polyphenols are important secondary metabolites widely distributed in the plant kingdom. They are well known asantioxidants which reduce ROS-induced damage and scavenge free radicals. The Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway is one of themost important pathways involved in preservation of antioxidant activity and defense against oxidative stress release in cells.This review outlines the composition and modulatory mechanism of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Plant polyphenolsenhance oxidative stress resistance, reduce apoptosis, provide nerve protection, resist aging and mitigate oxidative damagethrough the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. All these evidence suggests that plant polyphenols have great potentials to beutilized in foods and drugs.

Key words: plant polyphenols, Nrf2/ARE, signaling pathway, antioxidant activity