Hormetic Effects of Bioactive Compounds from Foods, Beverages, and Food Dressing: The Potential Role in Spinal Cord Injury

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6615752 · Published: February 27, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to an imbalance between harmful reactive oxygen species and the body's antioxidant defenses, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. Certain compounds found in foods, beverages, and food dressings can have hormetic effects, which means they can help reduce oxidative stress in SCI patients by activating antioxidant enzymes. A Mediterranean diet, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, along with food dressings like spices, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, can improve redox balance in individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Curcumin, ginseng, and green tea have potential for SCI management, but SCI individuals often have low antioxidant vitamin levels.
2
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can improve carotenoid bioavailability and act as a delivery system for bioactive compounds, enhancing antioxidant defenses.
3
Activating the Nrf2 pathway with dietary components increases antioxidant enzymes and decreases inflammation, contributing to the hormetic effect.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress. Dietary advice and supplements, particularly those based on the Mediterranean diet, have been proposed to reduce oxidative stress in SCI patients. Nonnutrient bioactive compounds from food, spices, and herbs, especially those typical of the Mediterranean diet, could reduce oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway.

Practical Implications

Dietary Recommendations

Encourage the consumption of a Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidant vitamins, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates to support redox balance in individuals with SCI.

Bioavailability Enhancement

Incorporate extra virgin olive oil in food preparation to improve the bioavailability of carotenoids and other bioactive compounds.

Targeted Supplementation

Consider supplementation with specific bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, ginseng, and green tea extracts, to manage oxidative stress and inflammation in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Many bioactive compounds have low bioavailability.
2
Specific studies are needed on SCI for many bioactive compounds.
3
Limited data on the optimal dosage and long-term effects of dietary interventions in SCI patients.

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