articleJournal of Functional FoodsJan 18, 2026GOLD OA

Dietary polyphenols as functional food bioactives: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms in combating bacterial infections

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada · McGill University

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Abstract

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlights the need for novel strategies to fight against microbial pathogens while strengthening host defenses. Dietary polyphenols abundant in fruits, vegetables, and food byproducts, could offer dual antimicrobial and host-protective effects. At the same time, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation emerges as one of key mechanisms that extend beyond antioxidant control to regulate cytokine production and innate immune signaling. This review discusses the underexplored role of polyphenol in activating Nrf2 as a signaling hub that coordinates host immune responses against bacterial infection. Despite bioavailability hurdles,…

Citation impact

4
total citations
FWCI
40.09
Percentile
99%
References
161
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Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Polyphenol
  • Immune system
  • Antioxidant
  • Antimicrobial
  • Innate immune system
  • Functional food
  • Host (biology)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Zero hunger
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