What are polyphenolic compounds?

Polyphenolic compounds are usually referred to as a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds containing multiple phenolic functionalities [1]. These compounds are commonly found in higher plants. They have synthetic, medicinal and industrial value.

What do polyphenols do for the brain?

The neuroprotective actions of dietary polyphenols involve a number of effects within the brain, including a potential to protect neurons against injury induced by neurotoxins, an ability to suppress neuroinflammation, and the potential to promote memory, learning, and cognitive function.

How many classes of polyphenolic compounds are there?

They are mainly divided into two classes: (a) anthocyanins (glycosylated derivative of anthocyanidin, present in colorful flowers and fruits); (b) anthoxanthins (a group of colorless compounds further divided in several categories, including flavones, flavans, flavonols, isoflavones and their glycosides) [10], [12] – [ …

What does phenolic compounds help with?

Polyphenols are beneficial compounds in many plant foods that can be grouped into flavonoids, phenolic acid, polyphenolic amides, and other polyphenols. They may improve digestion, brain function, and blood sugar levels, as well as protect against blood clots, heart disease, and certain cancers.

What are polyphenolic deposits?

Polyphenols (/ˌpɒliˈfiːnoʊl, -nɒl/) are a large family of naturally occurring organic compounds characterized by multiples of phenol units. They are abundant in plants and structurally diverse.

Do polyphenols reduce inflammation?

Polyphenols have some anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties and may in addition activate the transcription factor Nrf2. Nrf2 plays a key role in cellular protection against oxidative stress and inflammation [39].

Do polyphenols cross the blood-brain barrier?

We found that in a physiological dose achievable by supplementation, polyphenol metabolites were able to cross blood-brain barrier to deposit in the brain.

Where do polyphenols come from?

Polyphenols occur naturally, can have antioxidant properties, and are more generally found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, dry legumes, chocolate, and some beverages, oils, and spices.

Are polyphenols anti-inflammatory?

Polyphenols are compounds with various potential biological properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antiaging, cardioprotective, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.

Where are phenolic compounds?

Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites found in cereals, coffee beans, fruits, olives, vegetables, and tea leaves. A study on the stability of structurally different phenolic compounds in buffers in the pH range 3–11 revealed that caffeic, chlorogenic, and gallic acid were not stable to high pH.

What is the difference between phenolic compounds and polyphenols?

The key difference between phenols and polyphenols is that phenol is an aromatic compound containing a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxyl group whereas polyphenols are aromatic compounds containing more than one phenolic group. Both phenols and polyphenols contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) as their functional group.

What is polyphenolic secondary metabolites?

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants and are usually involved in the defense against ultraviolet light or aggression by pathogens. They are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and beverages. Legumes and chocolate conjointly contribute to polyphenolic intake.