Toll-like receptors in inflammatory bowel disease: A review of the role of phytochemicals
Abstract
Purpose
This
review discusses current state of the art on the role of plant-derived
compounds for the management of IBD with a focus on TLRs.
Methods
Electronic database including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were
searched up to January 2023 and all studies in which anticolitis
effects of a phytochemical was assessed via modulation of TLRs were
considered.
Results
Different categories of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, lignans, alkaloids, terpenes, saccharides, and saponins have
demonstrated modulatory effects on TLR in different animal and cell
models of bowel inflammation. Flavonoids were the most studied
phytochemicals amongst others. Also, TLR4 was
the most important type of TLRs which were modulated by phytochemicals.
Other mechanisms such as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines,
nuclear factor-κB pathway, nitric oxide synthesis pathway, cyclooxygenase-2, lipid peroxidation, as well as induction of endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms were also reported for phytochemicals in various IBD models.
Conclusion
Taken together, a growing body of pre-clinical evidence support the efficacy of herbal compounds for the treatment of
IBD via modulation of TLRs. Future clinical studies are recommended to
assess the safety and efficacy of these compounds in human.