Kirti Gupta1, Sonal Sangwan1, Deepak Kumar1,2, Sheemona Chowdhary1, Rajasri Bhattacharyya1 and Dibyajyoti Banerjee1*
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh 160012, India 2School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author: Dibyajyoti Banerjee, Department of Experimental Medi- cine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
Received: July 08, 2026; Published: October 09, 2026
The extensive use of plastics in human life has silently reshaped human health [1]. Among the most concerning components of plastic are bisphenols- mainly bisphenol A and its analogues [2]. They are widely used in plastic bottles, food packaging, thermal receipts, etc., because of their water resistance, excellent plasticity and affordable manufacturing cost [3]. These compounds are now recognised as endocrine-disrupting chemicals because they cause hormonal imbalances and interfere with glucose metabolism and lipid homeostasis [4]. As research continues on the adverse effects of bisphenols, it is increasingly clear that bisphenol exposure is causing not only environmental issues but also health issues [5]. Not only adults, but early-life exposure to bisphenols also contributes to the development of paediatric liver disorders [6].
Bisphenols are rapidly absorbed upon ingestion, undergo hepatic metabolism, and form conjugated metabolites that are excreted primarily in urine [7]. The continuous low-dose exposure to bisphenol, however, can impose a chronic burden that further exacerbates insulin resistance and disrupts glucose homeostasis [8]. Not only does this bisphenol act as an endocrine-disrupting agent, but it also further promotes metabolic dysfunction [9]. The growing awareness has led to mitigation efforts to reduce plastic use and limit exposure. However, such strategies are insufficient [10]. Because of the ubiquity of plastic in daily life, complete avoidance is impractical [11].
SDG Target 3.9, which aims to drastically reduce diseases induced by toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants, and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) are increasingly threatened by the widespread exposure to bisphenols through plastic-based consumer products [12]. This also underscores the necessity of a One Health approach, acknowledging the interconnections among human, animal, and environmental health [13].
Therefore, it has become essential to focus towards complementary strategies that not only prevent exposure but also reduce the residence time of bisphenol within the body or increase its excretion.
Using dietary fibres is a viable approach. According to recent studies, some fibres can bind to environmental pollutants, such as bisphenol, in the digestive system, thereby decreasing absorption and increasing elimination [14]. In animal studies, chitosan, a naturally occurring carbohydrate, has been shown to facilitate the excretion of BPA. These dietary fibres may act as physical adsorbents, drawing in bisphenols and facilitating their removal [15].
However, there is currently insufficient direct human research on the fibre-mediated binding of BPA and its equivalents, making this theory tenable but not yet supported by experiments [16]. Another possible intervention tactic is the use of natural antioxidants. Exposure to bisphenols results in oxidative stress, which damages cells and slows metabolism by generating reactive oxygen species [17]. Antioxidants that may help prevent oxidative damage and restore redox balance include polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E [18]. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of antioxidant-rich diets as supportive treatments for bisphenol poisoning by reducing toxin-induced metabolic abnormalities [19].
Probiotics also show promise as a tactic [20]. Changes in microbial composition can impact the biotransformation and removal of ambient chemicals, and the gut microbiota is essential for xenobiotic metabolism [21]. Some probiotic strains may improve the integrity of the gut barrier, control inflammation, and maybe aid in the breakdown or sequestration of harmful substances [22]. The nexus between toxicity and microbial science offers a rich environment for creative solutions, even though research in this field remains in its early stages [23].
The concept of "green plastic" has been around for some time [24]. Even though the use of biodegradable plastics has been promoted, gaps remain in our understanding of their environmental safety [25]. Green plastics are made from a variety of plant-based materials, whereas traditional plastics are made from non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly polymers are referred to as "green plastics" [26]. All natural or organic sources are sources of bio- or biodegradable polymers. On the other hand, their production also uses a substantial amount of energy derived from fossil fuels [27].
These tactics have potential, but they need to be used with scientific rigour. The absence of direct human data emphasises the necessity of carefully planned clinical and translational research to support these theories [28]. There is an urgent need to investigate the effectiveness of antioxidant therapies, the function of gut microbiota in regulating exposure, and the binding affinity of various fibre types for bisphenols [29]. In addition to expanding our knowledge, this kind of research will open the door to evidence-based dietary and treatment recommendations.
The need for a world free of plastic must remain at the centre of this conversation on a larger scale [30]. It is crucial to implement regulations that reduce plastic production, encourage biodegradable substitutes, and remove bisphenol-containing compounds from food packaging [31]. Campaigns for public awareness and changes in consumer behaviour toward sustainable consumption can hasten this shift [32]. From the above discussion, it appears that we should conduct research in multiple directions to develop a green solution to plastic-induced health issues (Figure 1).
In conclusion, bisphenol-induced endocrine and metabolic disturbances are complex issues that call for equally complex solutions. Reducing plastic use is important for prevention, but it's also important to look for ways to reduce internal exposure. Dietary fibre, probiotics, and natural antioxidants all offer intriguing possibilities that warrant further investigation. The scientific community needs to start actively developing solutions rather than just diagnosing the problem. Through such integrative efforts, we can only expect to lessen the silent but pervasive harm posed by bisphenols and get closer to a truly green, plastic-free future.
Acknowledgement
SC acknowledges CSIR for financial assistance (File no. 09/0141(20690)/2024-EMR-I).
Citation: Dibyajyoti Banerjee., et al. “Green Solutions for a Plastic-Free World-Counteracting Bisphenol-Induced Endocrine and Metabolic Disruption". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 10.11 (2026): 01-04.
Copyright: © 2026 Dibyajyoti Banerjee., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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