Evidence supporting the use of: Polyphenols
For the health condition: Fibrosis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, have attracted attention for their potential role in supporting or treating fibrosis. Fibrosis, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix leading to scarring and organ dysfunction, involves chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated cell signaling pathways—all areas where polyphenols have demonstrated bioactivity. Preclinical studies, primarily in vitro and in animal models, indicate that polyphenols such as curcumin (from turmeric), resveratrol (from grapes), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG from green tea) can attenuate fibrotic processes. These compounds appear to modulate pathways involved in inflammation (e.g., NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad), reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit fibroblast activation and proliferation.

However, despite promising laboratory data, robust clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Only a few small-scale clinical trials have evaluated polyphenols in fibrotic diseases (such as liver or pulmonary fibrosis), and results are preliminary, with methodological limitations and inconsistent outcomes. No polyphenol is currently an approved therapy for fibrosis, and the optimal dosage, bioavailability, and long-term safety are yet to be established. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and early evidence for the use of polyphenols in fibrosis, the current strength of evidence is low (rated 2/5), and more well-designed human studies are required before recommending polyphenols as a standard treatment approach.

More about polyphenols
More about Fibrosis