Dietary Polyphenols as Natural Modulators of NF ‐ κB Signaling in Inflammation‐Driven Non‐Communicable Diseases: Focus on Cancer

ABSTRACT

Chronic low‐grade inflammation is a key driver of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) is a master transcription factor that orchestrates inflammatory signaling, immune dysregulation, cellular proliferation, and survival pathways implicated in inflammation‐driven pathologies. Initiation and activation of other chronic inflammatory diseases can be linked to continued NF‐κB activation, thus making it an attractive target for therapeutics. Dietary polyphenols that are found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and other foods have a broad therapeutic potential and have emerged as potent natural modulators of NF‐κB signaling. Various studies have highlighted the relevance of different classes of polyphenols. These classes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other polyphenolic compounds exert anti‐inflammatory and chemopreventive effects through multiple mechanisms, by suppressing NF‐κB activation, inhibition of kinases, reduction of oxidative stress, and modulation of epigenetic and redox‐sensitive pathways. The present review provides insight into the mechanisms by which dietary polyphenols regulate NF‐κB signaling and highlights their role in the prevention of inflammation‐driven NCDs.