Radioprotective effects of polyphenols

Recently, the number of studies regarding the physiological activities, therapeutic and protective properties of food-derived bioactives has greatly increased. Among these compounds, polyphenols are the most numerous and widely distributed group of bioactive molecules in the plant kingdom. Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds, they are found in important concentrations in fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, chocolate, and some drinks and spices. Diets rich in polyphenols have been linked to several health benefits. Researchs in recent years have shown that a diet rich in polyphenols is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammation and many neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, studies have shown that polyphenols have radioprotective effects against different radiation sources. Many of these compounds have the ability to protect cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage resulting from ultraviolet or gamma radiation. The most common radioprotective mode of action of these plant compenents implicate anti-mutagenic activity and activating antioxidants in various ways, such as chelation and scavenging of free radicals generated during exposure to radiation sources and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, as well as their ability to modify angiogenesis, apoptosis and cellular proliferation, thereby reducing the risk of cellular damage and the occurrence of cancer (author).