Authors
Lidianys Maria Lewis-Luján, Annette Pulcherie Iloki-Lewis, Diego Emmanuel Guerrero-Magaña, Mikhail A Osadchuk, Maxim V Trushin, Juan Carlos Galvez-Ruiz, Judas Tadeo Vargas Durazo, Cinthia Jhovanna Perez-Martinez, Maria Guadalupe Burboa-Zazueta, Ana V Torres-Figueroa, Sergio Trujillo Lopez, Simon Bernard Iloki-Assanga
Published in
International journal of molecular sciences. Volume 27. Issue 10. May 21, 2026. Epub May 21, 2026.
Abstract
Plant-derived bioactive metabolites have emerged as promising modulators of oxidative stress and inflammation, two interconnected processes involved in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. Arid ecosystems, particularly the Sonoran Desert, constitute an underexplored source of structurally diverse phytochemicals with significant pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of major classes of plant-derived bioactives, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, with emphasis on their molecular mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. These compounds exert cytoprotective effects through direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and indirect regulation of endogenous defense systems, primarily via activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and suppression of NF-κB signaling. Additional pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and mitochondrial regulatory networks, are discussed as critical mediators of redox balance and inflammatory control. Particular attention is given to Sonoran Desert plant species such as Bucida buceras, Phoradendron californicum, Larrea tridentata, Opuntia spp., and Agave deserti, all of which demonstrate promising biological activities associated with enhanced adaptation to environmental stress. Experimental approaches used to evaluate phytochemical bioactivity, including chemical assays, cellular models, omics technologies, and translational strategies, are also examined. Furthermore, this review discusses current limitations related to bioavailability, phytochemical variability, and clinical validation, highlighting emerging nanodelivery systems and precision medicine approaches as potential solutions. Collectively, the evidence supports the therapeutic relevance of Sonoran Desert plant bioactives as multi-target agents for modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic disease progression.
PMID:
42196609
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Sep 2026.
Read full publication at:
Please sign in
to see all details.
Advertisement
Stats
- Recommendations n/a n/a positive of 0 vote(s)
- Views 8
- Comments 0