Abstract: Cadmium is a common heavy metal pollutant in the environment and foods, which can cause irreversible damage to human organs, especially liver. Previous studies have found that the mechanism of cadmium-induced liver injury may be related to the occurrence of oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds are ubiquitous in plant-based diets and have strong antioxidant capacity. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that phenolic compounds have significant control effects on cadmium-induced liver injury. This paper reviews recent progress in understanding the protective effect of phenolic compounds against cadmium-induced liver injury, in order to provide a theoretical basis and research ideas for the development and application of phenolic compounds.

Key words: cadmium, plant-based diets, phenolics, oxidative stress, liver damage