The therapeutic effect of phytochemicals on aflatoxin B1-induced intestinal injury: the roles of oxidative stress and inflammation

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prominent mycotoxin known to cause significant toxic effects in numerous organs and tissues. Experimental studies on intestinal tissue demonstrate that AFB1-induced damage is primarily driven by free radical generation, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cytochrome P450 upregulation, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis. In recent years, phytochemicals have attracted considerable interest due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, which suggest a promising strategy for alleviating AFB1-related intestinal toxicity. Nevertheless, research on their therapeutic efficacy remains relatively limited. This review aims to assess the protective roles of phytochemicals in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with AFB1 exposure. Evidence indicates that well-studied phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, lycopene, melatonin, and polydatin reduce intestinal injury by modulating critical signalling pathways, including Nrf2/ARE, TLR4, NF-κB, and NLRP3, as well as by influencing the intestinal microbiota composition. Overall, this review highlights their potential therapeutic value and underlying molecular mechanisms.