Polyphenols are an important group of biologically active compounds present in almost all food sources of plant origin and are primarily known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capabilities. Numerous studies have indicated their broad spectrum of pharmacological properties and correlations between their increased supply in the human diet and lower prevalence of various disorders. The positive effects of polyphenols application are mostly discussed in terms of cardiovascular system well-being. However, in recent years, they have also increasingly mentioned as prophylactic and therapeutic factors in the context of neurological diseases, being able to suppress the progression of such disorders and soothe accompanying symptoms. Among over 8000 various compounds, that have been identified, the most widely examined comprise resveratrol, curcumin, luteolin and quercetin. This review focuses on in vitro assessments, animal models and clinical trials, reflecting the most actual state of knowledge, of mentioned polyphenols’ medicinal capabilities in epilepsy, demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system.

Polyphenols are a group of plant-derived compounds that possess a wide range of possible industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Their mechanisms of action are often enabled by their multifaceted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result of their promising biological profile, they have been the focus of extensive research, which has examined their potential in the treatment of various diseases. These studies have observed that polyphenols may be associated with decreased neoplastic cellular growth, therefore offering valuable potential in oncological therapies. Quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin belong to the group of polyphenols with the most documented efficacy in this regard, particularly against tumors of glial origin. This review gathers information from a multitude of in vitro investigations and animal-model-based research that explore the molecular pathways and biochemical mechanisms engaged by polyphenols which enable their anti-tumoral activity in the central nervous system. Ultimately, this article aims to summarize this research and use this data to comment on the influence of polyphenols on glioma-affected subjects, in addition to exploring methods for increasing their bioavailability for the purposes of clinical application.

Insulin resistance is a condition of impaired tissue reactivity to insulin. This state is primarily associated with obesity and the lifestyle of modern Western societies, which favors abnormalities of glucose and lipid homeostasis. As a result, more and more people suffer from illnesses that develop because of the disturbed metabolic function of insulin, including type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome. There are many studies describing the relationship between declining sensitivity to insulin and insufficient physical activity or unhealthy dietary habits. However, there is a vast number of other factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. In recent years, more attention has been paid to environmental pollutants as promoters of insulin resistance. As the overall grade of waste accumulation in the environment rises, factors like toxic metals, pesticides, dust, harmful gases and micro- or nanoplastics are starting to pose an increasingly serious threat in the context of metabolic disorder development. This review gathers data concerning the influence of the mentioned pollutants on the metabolic health of living organisms, with particular emphasis on the impact on carbohydrate processing, insulin resistance and molecular pathways associated with these processes.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two highly prevalent conditions that share overlapping cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Growing evidence suggests that these two disease entities are pathophysiologically linked through systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and structural remodeling. Population-based studies and meta-analyses report an association between steatotic liver disease and both incident and recurrent AF. While several analyses observe persistence of this association after adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors, residual confounding and limitations of observational designs preclude firm causal inference. Conversely, heart rhythm disturbances may exacerbate hepatic fibrosis and dysfunction. Lifestyle interventions—particularly sustained weight loss—have demonstrated significant benefits in both conditions. Emerging pharmacological options, including incretin mimetics, flozins, statins, and thiazolidinediones, show promise in addressing the liver–heart axis, while appropriate anticoagulation remains essential in AF management. This review summarizes current epidemiological data, mechanistic insights, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies related to the coexistence of MASLD and AF. Emphasis is placed on shared pathogenic pathways, non-invasive diagnostic tools, and integrated management options.

Astrocytes are considered to be the dominant cell fraction of the central nervous system. They play a supportive and protective role towards neurons, and regulate inflammatory processes; they thus make suitable targets for drugs and supplements, such as polyphenolic compounds. However, due to their wide range, knowledge of their anti-inflammatory potential remains relatively incomplete. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether myricetin and chrysin are able to decrease chemokine release in reactive astrocytes. To assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of polyphenols, human primary astrocytes were cultured in the presence of a reactive and neurotoxic astrocyte-inducing cytokine mixture (TNF-α, IL-1a, C1q), either alone or in the presence of myricetin or chrysin. The examined polyphenols were able to modify the secretion of chemokines by human cortical astrocytes, especially CCL5 (chrysin), CCL1 (myricetin) and CCL2 (both), while cell viability was not affected. Surprisingly, the compounds did not demonstrate any antioxidant properties in the astrocyte cultures.

Plant-derived polyphenols have become a subject of scientific interest in recent decades due to their widespread occurrence in dietary sources and multi-faceted biological activity, with many of these compounds being recognized as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Several of these chemicals have, moreover, attracted further interest as their anti-tumoral capabilities were discovered, promising potential implementation in the treatment of proliferative diseases, including various cancers. Malignancies of the central nervous system, the most prevalent of which are glioblastomas, are noted for their aggressiveness, dismal prognosis and low survival rates. This review focuses on two polyphenols with the most expansive body of research on this topic, namely resveratrol and curcumin. It covers recent developments in the research, including in vitro findings, animal model studies and clinical trials on these compounds’ effects on the growth and progression of glial tumors of the central nervous system. Its aim is to present the latest findings on the subject of the mechanisms of action of these phytochemicals and their synergistic activity with conventional therapies, as well as strategies to improve their efficacy for future therapeutic applications.