Polyphenols in Press & Media - Polyphenols Applications World Congress

Cocoa and Red Berries Enhance Cardiovascular Health Through Microbiota Modulation

2025-03-03T16:55:34+00:00

A new study led by Sonia de Pascual-Teresa and her team at the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN-CSIC), Spain, highlights the cardiovascular benefits of regular cocoa flavanol and red berry anthocyanin consumption through microbiota modulation.

The research involved a 12-week randomized trial with 60 healthy adults (ages 45–85) consuming daily doses of cocoa (2.5 g), red berries (5 g), or a combination (7.5 g). The study assessed key cardiovascular biomarkers such as homocysteine, nitric oxide (NO), blood pressure, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and lipid profile, alongside microbiota-related metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), secondary bile acids (SBA), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO).

Key Findings

Cocoa intake significantly reduced TMAO levels (p = 0.03) and uric acid (p = 0.01), while improving FMD (p = 0.03) and total polyphenol levels (p = 0.03).
Increased carbohydrate fermentation in both cocoa and red berry groups (p = 0.04) correlated with lower blood pressure (p = 0.01) and TC/HDL ratio (p = 0.01).
The results highlight the gut-heart connection, where microbiota modulation contributes to improved cardiovascular function.

Implications for Healthy Aging

The findings support polyphenol-rich foods as a natural and sustainable strategy to enhance cardiovascular health and longevity through gut microbiota interactions.

Join Dr. Sonia de Pascual-Teresa at Polyphenols Applications 2025, where she will present on "Polyphenol-Rich Foods as a Healthy and Sustainable Strategy for Healthy Aging."

Article DOI.

Image Credits: Freepik.com

Brewing Gut Health How Coffee Consumption Shapes the Microbiome and Boosts Beneficial Bacteria

2025-02-25T17:58:49+00:00

A recent study published in Nature Microbiology explores the relationship between coffee consumption and the human gut microbiome. Researchers found a significant association between coffee intake and the presence of Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, a bacterial species recently isolated from the human intestine (Nature Microbiology, 2024).

Key Findings

Association with Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus: Higher coffee consumption correlates with increased levels of this specific gut bacterium.
Microbiome diversity: Regular coffee drinkers exhibit greater gut microbial diversity compared to non-drinkers.
Potential health implications: The presence of L. asaccharolyticus may influence metabolic processes and overall gut health, though further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that coffee consumption may positively influence gut microbiome composition, particularly by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. Notably, L. asaccharolyticus has been identified as a butyrate-producing bacterium (Sakamoto et al., 2018). Butyrate plays a crucial role in gut health by serving as an energy source for colonocytes, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the increased abundance of this bacterium linked to coffee consumption may have broader beneficial effects on gut physiology.

Article DOI.

Milk-Derived Exosomes Enhance Resveratrol’s Brain Delivery and Anticancer Effects

2025-02-13T18:55:13+00:00

A new study by Antonio González-Sarrías and Juan Carlos Espín from CEBAS-CSIC sheds light on the potential of milk-derived exosomes (EXOs) to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol known for its anticancer properties. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

Encapsulation in Exosomes: RSV is efficiently encapsulated in EXOs, protecting it from phase II metabolism, which normally limits its bioactivity.
Improved Brain Delivery: Pharmacokinetic analysis in rat models revealed that EXO-RSV crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) more effectively than free RSV.
Increased Antiproliferative Effects: EXO-RSV showed stronger antiproliferative activity on human cancer cells (neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and glioblastoma U-87MG) compared to free RSV, which had limited effects after 72 hours.
Reduced Metabolism: EXO-RSV resulted in lower levels of phase II-derived metabolites in circulation, further improving its potential for therapeutic use.

These findings suggest that milk-derived exosomes could be a promising nanocarrier for delivering RSV to the brain, enhancing its potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

We are excited to announce that Antonio González-Sarrías will be a speaker at the 18th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications in Malta, on October 2-3, 2025, where he will share his insights into this groundbreaking research.

Article DOI.

Image Credits: María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez, Beatriz Garay-Mayol, Juan Antonio Giménez-Bastida, María del Carmen López de las Hazas, Carmen Mazarío-Gárgoles, Maria Alexandra Brito, Alberto Dávalos, Juan Carlos Espín, Antonio González-Sarrías, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (2024)

Green Tea Linked to Fewer Brain Lesions Associated with Dementia: New Study Highlights Cognitive Benefits

2025-01-23T17:20:25+00:00

Green tea, long celebrated for its numerous health benefits, has been linked to reduced brain lesions associated with dementia, according to a recent study from Japan published in npj Science of Food. This groundbreaking research underscores green tea’s potential to support brain health and mitigate cognitive decline as we age.

Study Overview

The study investigated nearly 9,000 older adults from the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia between 2016 and 2018. Participants reported their green tea and coffee consumption through a Food Frequency Questionnaire and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess cerebral white matter lesions, hippocampal volume, and total brain volume.

After accounting for various sociodemographic, medical, and lifestyle factors, the researchers found that participants who drank more green tea had significantly fewer white matter lesions—markers often linked to dementia. However, no such association was observed with coffee consumption.

Green Tea’s Neuroprotective Properties

Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are believed to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the aggregation of beta-amyloid proteins. These properties may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.

Dr. Steven Allder, a consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health who was not involved in the study, commented:

“The observed link between green tea and fewer cerebral lesions highlights its potential as a preventive strategy against age-related cognitive decline. However, confounding variables like lifestyle and dietary habits may contribute to these outcomes.”

Interestingly, the study found that green tea’s benefits did not extend to individuals with the APOE e4 allele—a genetic risk factor for dementia—or those with depression. Researchers speculate that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in these groups may counteract green tea’s protective effects.

Limitations and Future Directions

The study’s cross-sectional design prevents establishing causation. Additionally, researchers could not assess how the tea was brewed or if it was consumed in conjunction with other foods. Future research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations and explore green tea’s impact on long-term cognitive health.

Practical Implications

While excessive green tea consumption (over 3–4 cups daily) may lead to side effects like insomnia or gastrointestinal distress, moderate intake appears to offer numerous health benefits. As the study authors conclude:

“Given that cerebral white matter lesions are closely related to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, our findings indicate that drinking green tea, especially three or more glasses per day, may help prevent dementia.”

These findings further highlight green tea’s potential as a simple, accessible dietary choice for preserving cognitive health and reducing dementia risk.

Image Credits: pvproductions on Freepik

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Naringenin Protects Against Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis Through SIRT1/FOXO3a Pathway

2025-01-14T18:51:04+00:00

A study led by Yi Zhou and his team at Xiamen Hospital, affiliated with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, has revealed the protective effects of naringenin in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The research highlights naringenin’s ability to regulate ferroptosis, a key driver of renal damage in DN, through the SIRT1/FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Using a high-glucose (HG)-induced cell model of renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells), the study demonstrated that naringenin improves cell viability, reduces oxidative stress, and enhances mitochondrial function. The treatment lowered levels of ferroptosis markers, including Fe²⁺, oxidized lipid ROS, and ACSL4, while boosting antioxidant defenses such as SOD, GSH-Px, and GPX4.

Importantly, naringenin restored the expression of regulatory proteins like SIRT1, FOXO3a, and Nrf2, which are critical for its anti-ferroptosis effects. Inhibitor experiments further confirmed that SIRT1 plays a central role in mediating these protective actions.

This research provides new insights into the mechanisms behind naringenin’s therapeutic potential in DN, emphasizing its ability to mitigate ferroptosis-related renal damage.

For more details, read the full study.

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Luteolin: A Promising Natural Flavonoid for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Through Mitochondrial and Notch Pathway Modulation

2024-12-27T12:57:40+00:00

A recent study published in the Journal of Functional Foods by researchers from Hebei University of Chinese Medicine and Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine sheds light on the therapeutic potential of luteolin (Lut), a natural flavonoid, in addressing ulcerative colitis (UC). The research offers significant insights into how Lut influences mitochondrial dynamics and the Notch signalling pathway, presenting a promising avenue for the medical application of flavonoid compounds in inflammatory diseases.

Histopathological architecture of colon and histopathologic scores of the colon in mice following different treatment regimens. Credits: Liu, Moxixuan, et al. Journal of Functional Foods 124 (2025): 106644.

Protective Effect on UC-Induced Colonic Damage

The study demonstrated that Lut treatment alleviates dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal mucosal injury in UC mice. This protective effect is closely associated with the regulation of the Notch signalling pathway, evidenced by the reduced expression of critical components such as Notch1, Notch2, RBPJ, MAML1, Hes1, Jagged1, and DLL4 in colonic tissues following Lut administration.

Role of miR-195-5p in Notch Signalling Regulation

The research highlights miR-195-5p as a critical mediator in the negative feedback regulation of the Notch signalling pathway. In vitro experiments using Caco-2 cells further substantiated the inhibitory role of miR-195-5p in the pathway.

Enhancement of Mitochondrial Dynamics

Lut demonstrated a restorative impact on mitochondrial dynamics by:

Increasing the expression of mitochondrial fusion factors MFN1 and MFN2.
Reducing the expression of mitochondrial fission factors Fis1 and Crmp1.
Improving mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential, and energy metabolism.

These findings highlight Lut’s potential to counteract the mitochondrial dysfunction commonly associated with UC.

Effective Dosage

In animal models, a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day of Lut exhibited superior therapeutic benefits compared to 50 mg/kg/day, reinforcing its efficacy in mitigating UC-associated damage.

Implications for LPS-Induced Injury

The study also explored the effects of Lut on LPS-induced injury in Caco-2 cells. Lut effectively restored mitochondrial viability, improved fusion dynamics, and attenuated the activation of the Notch signalling pathway, showcasing its broader applicability.

This research highlights the growing interest in natural compounds like flavonoids for treating inflammatory diseases such as UC. By elucidating the mechanisms of Lut’s action, including its interplay with mitochondrial dynamics and Notch signalling, the study provides a robust foundation for the medical application of these compounds. Further clinical investigations could pave the way for incorporating Lut into therapeutic strategies for UC and related conditions.

Read the full paper.

Flavonoids in Polyphenols: Activating Gut Hormones to Improve Health

2024-12-19T15:35:48+00:00

Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds in plant-based foods, may hold promise for managing diabetes. A recent study from the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan reveals that polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, interact with the bitter taste receptor T2R46 in the gut. By leveraging advanced computational models, the research demonstrates how this interaction triggers gut hormone secretion, enhances glucose tolerance, and suggests potential dietary and therapeutic strategies for addressing diabetes and related conditions.

Understanding Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a diverse group of compounds that enrich the flavor and health benefits of foods like green tea, berries, and dark chocolate. Flavonoids, a type of polyphenol known for giving fruits their vibrant colors, have attracted interest due to their interaction with bitter taste receptors in the gut. These compounds, commonly consumed at an average daily intake of 5 g, are associated with a characteristic bitter taste.

Bitter Taste Receptors in the Gut
Bitter taste receptors, such as T2R46, are specialized proteins that detect bitter compounds. While traditionally linked to taste perception on the tongue, these receptors are also active in the gastrointestinal tract, where they play a role in regulating hormone secretion and other critical functions.

The study, led by Professor Naomi Osakabe and her collaborators Takafumi Shimizu and Taiki Fushimi from the Shibaura Institute of Technology and Vittorio Calabrese from the University of Catania, highlights how polyphenols activate T2R46, prompting the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone essential for blood sugar regulation. Published online on November 5, 2024, in Current Research in Food Science, the findings shed light on this promising mechanism.

“Our findings show that polyphenols are more than just antioxidants—they are functional compounds capable of directly influencing gut hormone secretion,” says Professor Osakabe.

She further explains, “Polyphenols are known for their cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, but their mechanisms of action have long been elusive. By focusing on their taste, we aim to uncover these processes.”

Advanced Techniques Reveal Key Mechanisms
The research team employed cutting-edge computational methods, including molecular docking to predict polyphenol binding to T2R46 and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling to analyze the connection between polyphenol structure and receptor binding strength.

The simulations identified two critical amino acids in T2R46—W883.32 and E2657.39—that facilitate essential interactions, such as CH-π and salt bridge bonds. These interactions are pivotal for receptor activation. QSAR analysis further confirmed a strong correlation (R² = 0.9359) between polyphenol structures and their binding efficiency.

Flavonoids emerged as standout activators, outperforming other polyphenols and even non-polyphenolic bitter compounds. “These computational tools allowed us to uncover the structural secrets behind polyphenols’ ability to activate gut receptors,” explains Professor Osakabe.

Implications for Public Health and Therapy
The study underscores the potential of polyphenol-rich diets to enhance public health. Foods like citrus fruits, tea, and dark chocolate may naturally stimulate gut hormone secretion, improving glucose tolerance and reducing risks associated with metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity.

“Our study bridges the gap between nutrition and medicine, showing how simple dietary changes can positively impact public health,” adds Professor Osakabe.

Beyond dietary recommendations, the research lays the groundwork for novel therapies. Flavonoid-based compounds could be developed to specifically target T2R46, offering innovative treatment options for diabetes and obesity.

Next Steps
While the findings are promising, further research is needed to validate these effects in biological systems and to explore how different polyphenols influence receptor expression and interactions. With its integration of diet and technology, this study sets the stage for healthier lifestyles and groundbreaking medical advancements, offering hope in addressing chronic diseases through everyday foods.

Article DOI.

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Dietary Diversity Linked to Slower Biological Aging: New Study Explores Potential Mechanisms

2024-11-25T17:02:59+00:00

A new study has found that greater dietary diversity is associated with slower biological aging, suggesting that what we eat may have a significant impact on the speed of our aging process. The analysis, which examined data from over 22,000 participants, highlights how a diet rich in various nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds could influence the biological age of individuals, potentially helping to delay the onset of age-related diseases.

Dietary Diversity and Aging While specific diets like the Mediterranean or ketogenic diets have been linked to various health benefits, this study focused on the broader concept of dietary diversity, examining the variety of food consumed across 18 different food subgroups. The researchers found that a higher dietary diversity score (DDS) was associated with a lower biological age, indicating that a more varied diet may slow aging.

Understanding Biological Age Biological age, as opposed to chronological age, is a more accurate indicator of overall health and the likelihood of developing age-related conditions. The researchers used clinical biomarkers to calculate the biological age of participants, including factors such as blood pressure, blood creatinine, cholesterol levels, and white blood cell count.

Key Findings

The study found a significant inverse relationship between dietary diversity and biological age acceleration, suggesting that greater dietary variety is associated with a slower aging process.
Higher DDS was linked to lower levels of oxidative stress markers (e.g., GGT), reduced inflammation, and higher levels of proteins with anti-aging properties, such as serum klotho.
The study's models accounted for various demographic and health factors, reinforcing the robustness of the findings.

Potential Mechanisms While the study cannot definitively determine the mechanisms behind the observed relationship, the authors propose several hypotheses. They suggest that the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in a diverse diet may help protect cells from age-related damage. Additionally, maintaining a diverse microbiome through diet could play a role in promoting healthy aging, although this aspect was not directly explored in the current research.

Implications for Healthy Aging The results align with previous studies that suggest a more diverse diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and age-related health conditions. The researchers emphasize that promoting dietary diversity could be a key strategy for supporting healthy aging, with significant public health implications.

Although the study is based on observational data, the consistency of the results across various models and populations provides a strong foundation for future research into the potential mechanisms behind this connection.

Next Steps for Research Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms that connect dietary diversity with biological aging. Understanding the specific compounds or processes involved, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota, could lead to targeted interventions to promote healthy aging.

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of diverse, nutrient-rich diets and their potential role in slowing aging and preventing chronic diseases.

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Polyphenols to Replace Current GLP-1 Drugs: Targeting Obesity and Diabetes

2024-09-04T10:27:27+00:00

Polyphenols, commonly found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds, coffee, and tea, are known for their health benefits despite being poorly absorbed by the body. These bioactive compounds interact with bitter taste receptors (T2R) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, triggering the release of hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Graphical abstract. Credits: Naomi Osakabe et al., 2024

A research team led by Professor Naomi Osakabe from Shibaura Institute of Technology investigated how polyphenols contribute to health benefits, particularly in regulating glucose tolerance and reducing the risk of type II diabetes. Their review explains how polyphenols activate T2Rs in the GI tract, prompting the release of hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and incretins like GLP-1, which help regulate insulin secretion, glucose homeostasis, and appetite. These GI hormones influence feeding behavior and GI motility, helping reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.

In contrast to GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are absorbed and act on GLP-1 receptors in target organs but often cause unintended gastrointestinal disturbances and adverse effects on blood glucose, polyphenols offer a safer alternative. An essential characteristic of polyphenols is that they remain virtually absent in the bloodstream, causing fewer side effects while still stimulating GLP-1 secretion. As Professor Osakabe explains, "We believe that the intake of polyphenols, which are safer and show similar effects, is preferable. Given the above, there is potential to replace current GLP-1-targeted drugs."

The study highlights the potential of polyphenols to regulate blood sugar and appetite through hormone secretion, suggesting they could be a safer and effective alternative to existing GLP-1-targeted drugs for managing metabolic health, obesity, and diabetes.

Read the full paper.

Prof. Osakabe, the lead author, is an active member of the Polyphenols Applications community. She was a prominent speaker in 2022 and 2023, presenting her research on the effects of phenolic compounds on neuromodulation and the browning of adipose tissues.

Polyphenol-Powered Longevity: Salvia Extract Haenkenium Boosts Lifespan and Fights Aging

2024-08-21T07:47:46+00:00

Recent research from the University of Padova has published findings that may transform our approach to aging and age-related conditions. The study reveals the significant potential of a botanical extract derived from Salvia haenkei, called Haenkenium (HK), in enhancing both lifespan and overall healthspan.

In a series of experiments on naturally aged mice, daily oral administration of HK was shown to significantly extend their lifespan. Not only did the treatment reduce key markers of age-induced inflammation, fibrosis, and senescence, but it also led to visible improvements in muscle strength and fur thickness compared to age-matched controls. These findings suggest that HK could be an effective therapeutic agent for addressing the accumulation of senescent cells, one of the key contributors to aging and degenerative diseases.

In addition to its effects on naturally aged mice, the study demonstrated that HK mitigated the senescence induced by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. By using p16LUC reporter mice, researchers observed a notable reduction in acute senescence levels with HK treatment.

A deeper investigation into the active compounds within HK revealed luteolin, a flavonoid, as the primary senomorphic component. Mechanistic analysis showed that luteolin disrupted the interaction between p16 and CDK6, a key molecular pathway involved in cellular aging.

Read the full article.

Join us this September in Milan to learn more about the potential of phenolic compounds in the context of senolytics - and how they can combat age-related conditions.

What is luteolin?

Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, a type of polyphenol, found in many plants, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. It is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Luteolin has been the subject of various studies due to its potential health benefits, particularly in protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in aging and the development of chronic diseases. Additionally, luteolin has been shown to modulate several biological pathways, including those involved in cellular aging, making it an area of interest in research on longevity and age-related diseases.