Modulation of the mitochondrial function with polyphenols and other natural bioactive compounds to treat obesity

Abstract The increasing prevalence of obesity has become a worldwide health concern. Currently, obesity is tackled through caloric restriction and physical activity, and in some cases, with pharmacotherapy. Even so, these strategies have shown to not be ideal in some cases, and other alternatives, such as the use of natural bioactive compounds, are being studied. Mitochondria are importantly affected in obesity, particularly in the skeletal muscle, the liver, and the white and brown adipose tissues. Thus, researchers are focusing on the study of natural bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, which could target specifically the mitochondrial function, to improve obesity. This chapter provides a summary of the evidences for the use of bioactive compounds including polyphenols such as resveratrol or naringenin, and other compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and retinoids, to correct or prevent obesity through their effects on mitochondrial modulation.