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

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.