Food Res Int. 2026 Mar 1;227:118243. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118243. Epub 2025 Dec 27.
ABSTRACT
The global increase in metabolic disorders including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) highlights the need for adjunctive strategies beyond conventional pharmacotherapy. Bioactive compounds (BACs) derived from plant-based foods, such as carotenoids, glucosinolates (GSLs), and bioactive peptides (BAPs), have garnered considerable interest for their capacity to modulate the gut microbiome, attenuate systemic inflammation, and mitigate key features of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Carotenoids have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities including inhibition of lipid peroxidation; GSLs contribute to phase II detoxification and glycemic control; while BAPs demonstrate antihypertensive activity and support probiotic growth. Despite promising mechanistic data, clinical translation remains limited. Human trials are few, generally short in duration, and often rely on surrogate biomarkers such as heme oxygenase-1, superoxide dismutase 1, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Effective dosing varies by compound and formulation, with lipid and inflammatory outcomes typically assessed over 8-12 weeks, and hepatic or structural endpoints requiring ≥24 weeks. Efficacy is further influenced by interindividual variability in gut microbiota composition, dietary matrix, food processing methods, and BAC bioavailability. To advance clinical relevance, long-term, adequately powered trials in diverse populations are essential. Furthermore, regulatory challenges, commercialization constraints, and the need for standardized formulations must be addressed to expand the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals, particularly given their favorable safety profiles and potential for preventive health applications.
PMID:41652766 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118243