Polyphenols Targeting Oxidative Stress in Spinal Cord Injury: Current Status and Future Vision

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause motor and sensory function loss. This damage leads to an imbalance in the body, creating harmful reactive oxygen species. This imbalance causes oxidative stress and inflammation, further damaging the spinal cord. Polyphenols, natural compounds from plants, show promise as a treatment. Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants that might be therapeutic for SCI. These compounds can target inflammation, oxidative stress, and axonal issues in the early stages of SCI. Combining different polyphenols could further reduce the effects of SCI. This review discusses the role of polyphenols in controlling and managing SCI, particularly how they affect oxidative stress. It looks at research on how these natural substances can protect the spinal cord from damage and promote recovery.

• 1
  Polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, and quercetin, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that can mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation following SCI.
• 2
  Specific polyphenols like curcumin and naringin have shown potential in reducing inflammation and promoting neuronal survival after SCI, potentially improving functional recovery.
• 3
  Clinical studies, though limited, suggest that curcumin and polyphenol-rich supplements can regulate inflammatory and stress markers, potentially improving outcomes in SCI patients.