Machado, ManuelaSilva, SaraCosta, Eduardo M.2026-04-092026-04-092026-03-30Machado, M., Silva, S., & Costa, E. M. (2026). Bioactive phenolics from aromatic plants: chemical signatures and anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal cells . 1-1. Poster session presented at ANALÍTICA 2026 - 12th Meeting of the SPQ Analytical Chemistry Division.3e1ec129-ad1e-4cb9-9deb-56f0ce1783a5http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/57475Aromatic plants constitute a rich and largely underexplored reservoir of bioactive phenolic compounds — flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and polyphenolic derivatives — whose structural diversity underlies a broad spectrum of bbiological activities. Their distinct chemical signatures, shaped by hydroxylation patterns, glycosylation states, and conjugation with organic acids, are key determinants of their bioavailability and therapeutic potency. These secondary metabolites have been shown to modulate critical inflammatory pathways in intestinal epithelial and immune cells, notably through inhibition of NF-?B signaling, downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL- 1?, TNF-?), and suppression of COX-2 and iNOS activity. Beyond direct anti-inflammatory action, phenolic compounds can reinforce epithelial barrier integrity and positively modulate gut microbiota composition, adding further relevance to their role in intestinal health. Inflammatory bowel conditions, characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation and significant impact on quality of life, remain a major therapeutic challenge — making the search for effective and safe natural alternatives increasingly urgent.engconference poster not in proceedings