The effect of dietary phytochemicals on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation: a systematic review of human intervention trials
The effect of dietary phytochemicals on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation: a systematic review of human intervention trials
Clifford et al., 2021 | Mol Biol Rep | Systematic Review
Citation
Clifford Tom, Acton Jarred P, ... Bailey Stephen J. The effect of dietary phytochemicals on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation: a systematic review of human intervention trials. Mol Biol Rep. 2021-Feb;48(2):1745-1761. doi:10.1007/s11033-020-06041-x
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of human trials examining the effects of dietary phytochemicals on Nrf2 activation. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, Medline, Embase and CAB abstracts were searched for articles from inception until March 2020. Studies in adult humans that measured Nrf2 activation (gene or protein expression changes) following ingestion of a phytochemical, either alone or in combination were included. The study was pre-registered on the Prospero database (Registration Number: CRD42020176121). Twenty-nine full-texts were retrieved and reviewed for analysis; of these, eighteen were included in the systematic review. Most of the included participants were healthy, obese or type 2 diabetics. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment tool. Twelve different compounds were examined in the included studies: curcumin, resveratrol and sulforaphane were the most common (n = 3 each). Approximately half of the studies reported increases in Nrf2 activation (n = 10); however, many were of poor quality and had an unclear or high risk of bias. There is currently limited evidence that phytochemicals activate Nrf2 in humans. Well controlled human intervention trials are needed to corroborate the findings from in vitro and animal studies.
Key Findings
Well controlled human intervention trials are needed to corroborate the findings from in vitro and animal studies.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | adult humans |
| Sample Size | 3 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Aged
- Antioxidants
- Bias
- Curcumin
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Humans
- Isothiocyanates
- Middle Aged
- NF-E2-Related Factor 2
- Obesity
- Oxidative Stress
- Phytochemicals
- Polyphenols
- Resveratrol
- Sulfoxides
Evidence Classification
- Level: Systematic Review
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- Vertical: resveratrol
Provenance
- PMID: 33515348
- DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06041-x
- PMCID: PMC7925463
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09