Autoimmune diseases are intricate and result from multiple factors,
including genetic predispositions, epigenetic modifications, environmental exposures,
and psychological influences, all of which contribute to their onset and progression.
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the small intestine, initiated
by gluten intake in genetically susceptible individuals and affecting around 1.4% of the
global population. In addition to the complexity of the symptoms of this disease, the
treatments have been completely palliative. Currently, the primary treatment for celiac
disease is maintaining a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. However, maintaining a
completely gluten-free diet is very challenging, leading to a strong interest in finding
alternative strategies to lower gluten levels or mitigate its harmful effects. Several
studies have indicated that natural phytochemicals have promising strategies for
combating autoimmune diseases. Plant-based secondary metabolites, such as
flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, are typically abundant in bioactive
compounds and have shown efficacy against autoimmune diseases that affect the
intestine, particularly bowel diseases. This study specifically highlights the role of
secondary metabolites derived from medicinal plants in regulating inflammatory
autoimmune diseases of the intestine, with a particular focus on celiac disease. It
includes the latest literature on the impact of naturally occurring secondary metabolites
in the management of Celiac disease.
Keywords: Autoimmune disease, Celiac disease, Flavonoids, Gluten, Phenolic compounds, Secondary metabolites.
