Nrf2 induction potency of plant-derived compounds determined using an antioxidant response element luciferase reporter and conventional NAD(P)H-quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 activity assay

Although the compounds exhibited a high degree of consistency between assays, several compounds did not. These results suggest that although the NQO1 assay can be used as an evaluation method to estimate Nrf2 induction potency of a compound, an ARE luciferase reporter approach may offer greater precision. In summary, inconsistency in Nrf2 induction potency evaluated by the reporter and NQO1 assays of plant-derived compounds, including resveratrol, may be due to a variety of factors that may regulate NQO1 gene expression other than Nrf2 and/or directly modulate NQO1 enzymatic activity or protein levels, with each compound having a different degree of effect on these factors.