Figure 5.

Network depicting interactions between bioactive components in spices and major antioxidant mediators NFE2L2 (Nrf2) and Hmox1 in alleviating oxidative stress-induced airway inflammation. The balance between oxidative and antioxidative pathways plays a significant role in protecting against viral-induced tissue damage. In the molecular mechanism of antioxidant pathways, Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a major antioxidant molecule that regulates a wide array of genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidant gene Heme oxygenase 1 or Hmox1 also lies downstream of Nrf2. Spice-derived bioactive components such as ferulic acid, cinnamaldehyde, carnosol, and diallyl disulfide could activate Nrf2, which in turn could attenuate oxidative stress-induced lung damage. Furthermore, Hmox1 can also be activated by several bioactive components, including Nrf2 activators- cinnamaldehyde, carnosol, and diallyl disulfide. The dashed line is a potential prediction for interaction between Hmox1 and airway inflammation.