Pharmacological effects of compounds of plant-derived compounds in chronic diseases

Abstract

Plant-derived compounds demonstrate significant potential in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases due to their rich bioactivity and diverse pharmacological effects. Common active constituents include flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which exert therapeutic effects through mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, and immunomodulatory actions. Research indicates that plant-derived compounds not only improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood glucose levels in diabetic patients but also offer effective interventions for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, their multi-targeted action, low toxicity, and minimal side effects offer new possibilities for personalised treatment. However, their efficacy requires validation through large-scale clinical trials. Future efforts should focus on enhancing mechanism research, improving bioavailability, and advancing the application of big data and artificial intelligence in drug development to achieve precision medicine and clinical translation. Further exploration of interdisciplinary collaboration will offer novel approaches to chronic disease prevention and control. Concurrently, the development and utilisation of plant-derived compounds will play a significant role within sustainable healthcare systems.