Logo-jhp
J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(2): 120-132.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53011
  Abstract View: 13
  PDF Download: 20

Review

A systematic review of polyphenols therapeutic and preventive role in cholelithiasis

Hossein Mardani-Nafchi 1 ORCID logo, Ghorbanali Rahimian 2 ORCID logo, Ali Amini 3* ORCID logo, Iraj Baratpour 4 ORCID logo

1 Student of Pharmacology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
3 Department of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
*Corresponding Author: Ali Amini, Email: aliamini82@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Gallstone disease (GSD) or cholelithiasis has become prevalent in recent years and can increase the risk of gallbladder cancers. This systematic review study investigates the effects of polyphenols in preventing and treating GSD and its associated complications.

Methods: An extensive search of the available literature was performed for articles published since 5/20/2024 using multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, using polyphenols, phenolic compounds, gallstones, and cholelithiasis-related keywords. After screening the records, data were extracted, and the most important outcomes were reviewed.

Results: Polyphenols reduce the levels of ABCG5/8 in the liver and decrease the expression of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) in the intestine. Additionally, the upregulation of the CYP7A1 gene may help regulate various genes, enzymes, and proteins, potentially leading to GSD. They also reduce the cholesterol saturation index (CSI), bile salts, phospholipids, lipid peroxidation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. They also increase glutathione (GSH) levels and alleviate edema in the gallbladder wall. Additionally, polyphenols inhibit the action of 5-Lipoxygenase (a lipid mediator of inflammation), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These actions contribute to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in relation to GSD. They also prevented GSD by modulating gut microbiota and improving histopathological changes.

Conclusion: Polyphenols have potentially protective effects against GSD incidence. Further clinical studies are necessary before they can be used in clinical settings.


Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

The findings of this systematic review indicate that polyphenols may play a protective role in both the prevention and management of GSD. These insights have significant implications for health policy, clinical practice, research, and medical education. Policymakers in healthcare should consider incorporating dietary recommendations rich in polyphenols into public health strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of GSD. Clinicians may also explore dietary counselling or supplements as potential non-invasive interventions.

Please cite this paper as: Mardani-Nafchi H, Rahimian G, Amini A, Baratpour I. A systematic review of polyphenols therapeutic and preventive role in cholelithiasis. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(2):120-132. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53011.

First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Comments
Security code


Abstract View: 13

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 20

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 09 Jan 2025
Revision: 09 Mar 2025
Accepted: 16 Mar 2025
ePublished: 01 Apr 2025
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)