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Some of the articles on Polyphenols

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Polyphenols: antioxidants and beyond

Augustin Scalbert et al

 “Research on the effects of dietary polyphenols on human health has developed considerably in the past 10 y. It strongly supports a role for polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The antioxidant properties of polyphenols have been widely studied, but it has become clear that the mechanisms of action of polyphenols go beyond the modulation of oxidative stress…. Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet. Their total dietary intake could b e as high as 1 g/d, which is much higher than that of all other classes of phytochemicals and known dietary antioxidants…Their main dietary sources are fruits and plant-derived beverages such as fruit juices, tea, coffee, and red wine.”

The history of ß-carotene and cancers: from observational to intervention studies. What lessons can be drawn for future research on polyphenols?

Serge Hercberg

“For ß-carotene, we need to collect sufficient information from experimental, clinical, and epidemiologic research before we support any specific public health recommendations. The same principles must be applied to recommendations regarding polyphenols (in particular, which polyphenols, at which doses, to achieve which benefits for which populations).”

Inhibition of carcinogenesis by polyphenols: evidence from laboratory investigations

 Joshua D Lambert et al Am. J. Clinical Nutrition,  Jan 2005;  81:  284S - 291S.

“For example, compounds such as curcumin are effective when applied topically to the skin or administered orally to affect the colon but are not effective in internal organs such as the lungs.”

Carl L Keen et al

Cocoa antioxidants and cardiovascular health

 Am. J. Clinical Nutrition,  Jan 2005;  81:  298S - 303S.

“In the context of cardiovascular health, a particular group of flavonoids, namely, the flavan-3-ols (flavanols), has received attention. Flavanol-rich, plant-derived foods and beverages include wine, tea, and various fruits and berries, as well as cocoa and cocoa products. Numerous dietary intervention studies in humans and animals indicate that flavanol-rich foods and beverages might exert cardioprotective effects with respect to vascular function and platelet reactivity.”

James A Joseph et al

Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds

 Am. J. Clinical Nutrition,  Jan 2005;  81:  313S - 316S.

“… dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants (eg, blueberry or spinach extracts) might decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs in aging. These reductions might be expressed as improvements in motor and cognitive behavior. Additional research suggested that mechanisms in addition to antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities might be involved in the beneficial effects of these extracts; the most important of these might be their ability to increase cellular signaling and neuronal communication.”

Ilja CW Arts and Peter CH Hollman

Polyphenols and disease risk in epidemiologic studies

 Am. J. Clinical Nutrition,  Jan 2005;  81:  317S - 325S.

“Plant polyphenols, a large group of natural antioxidants, are serious candidates in explanations of the protective effects of vegetables and fruits against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiologic studies are useful for evaluation of the human health effects of long-term exposure to physiologic concentrations of polyphenols... The aim of this review is to summarize available epidemiologic data on the health effects of polyphenols... Data obtained to date suggest beneficial effects of both flavonoids and lignans on cardiovascular diseases but not on cancer, with the possible exception of lung cancer.”

Extract from Table 1

MI=Myocardial infarction; CAD=Coronary Artery Disease

Louise I Mennen et al

Risks and safety of polyphenol consumption

 Am. J. Clinical Nutrition,  Jan 2005;  81:  326S - 329S.

“This article gives an overview of the potential hazards of polyphenol consumption… estrogenic activity…and… inhibits nonheme iron absorption and may lead to iron depletion” note these are potential hazards of pills, but unlikely to be of concern with food sources