Regulation of Inflammation-Mediated Chronic Diseases by Botanicals

Extensive research over the past several years has indicated a close association between chronic inflammation and chronic diseases. Chronic inflammation has now been shown to be involved in the onset and development of numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, gastro-intestinal disorders, and autoimmune disorders. An interesting fact that has emerged over the years is that most chronic diseases are caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, toxicants, tobacco, alcohol, infectious agents, and radiation. How chronic inflammation contributes to chronic diseases has also been elucidated over the years. The discovery of transcription factors such as NF-κB, STAT3, AP-1, NRF2, PPAR-γ, β-catenin/Wnt, HIF-1α, and Hedgehog, as well as the signalling molecules regulating these transcription factors has provided a molecular link between chronic inflammation and chronic diseases. Thus agents that can modulate the expression of these transcription factors might be useful against chronic diseases. Because of limited efficacy and high toxicity, mono-targeted anti-inflammatory agents have little effect against chronic diseases. Agents derived from natural sources called botanicals have gained particular attention for their anti-inflammatory activity, not only because they are multi-targeted but also because they are safe, cost effective, and readily available. How transcription factors contribute to the development of chronic diseases is the focus of this review. Additionally, we also describe various botanicals and the inflammatory transcription factors that they modulate.