Submit to Antioxidants Review for Antioxidants Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 26587

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Stefania D'Angelo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, Parthenope University, 80133 Naples, Italy
Interests: antioxidants; apoptosis; human biochemistry; Mediterranean diet; nutraceutical; nutrition; oxidative stress; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Phenolic compounds have received considerable attention for their health-promoting properties in many chronic disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Their health benefits are mainly attributed to their antioxidant properties; in fact, phenolic compounds are free radical scavengers and endogenous antioxidant system up-regulators. Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in our diet and are widespread constituents of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, chocolate and beverages, such as tea, coffee and wine: the “polyphenolic-food”. Despite their wide distribution, the health effects of dietary polyphenols have come to the attention of nutritionists only in the last few years. The consumption of food that is rich in phenolic compounds, “polyphenolic-food”, represents a promising therapeutic method to prevent many chronic diseases and improve health.

Thus, due to their “large portfolio” of beneficial effects, polyphenol extracts remain an interesting field of research. We believe that this Special Issue, “Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenolic-Food and Human Health” (second edition), will help to highlight the most recent advances in all aspects of polyphenols, on their extracts, and health-enhancing benefits.

This Special Issue of Antioxidants welcomes the submission of research articles, review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and short communications.

Dr. Stefania D’Angelo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory
Antiobesity
Functional food
Human health
Mediterranean diet
Nutraceuticals
Oxidative stress
Polyphenols

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 5152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Supplements with ω-3 Fatty Acids, Ascorbic Acid, and Polyphenolic Antioxidant Flavonoid on Gene Expression, Organ Failure, and Mortality in Endotoxemia-Induced Septic Rats

by Yolanda Prado, Cesar Echeverría, Carmen G. Feijóo, Claudia A. Riedel, Claudio Cabello-Verrugio, Juan F. Santibanez and Felipe Simon

Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 659; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12030659 - 07 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

Sepsis syndrome develops through enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sepsis syndrome is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and increased mortality, among others. Endotoxemia-derived sepsis is an important cause of sepsis syndrome. During endotoxemia, circulating endotoxin interacts with endothelial cells (ECs), inducing detrimental effects on endothelium function. The endotoxin induces the conversion of ECs into fibroblasts, which are characterized by a massive change in the endothelial gene-expression pattern. This downregulates the endothelial markers and upregulates fibrotic proteins, mesenchymal transcription factors, and extracellular matrix proteins, producing endothelial fibrosis. Sepsis progression is modulated by the consumption of specific nutrients, including ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly described. The notion that gene expression is modulated during inflammatory conditions by nutrient consumption has been reported. However, it is not known whether nutrient consumption modulates the fibrotic endothelial gene-expression pattern during sepsis as a mechanism to decrease vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, MODS, and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the consumption of dietary ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid supplements on the modulation of fibrotic endothelial gene-expression patterns during sepsis and to determine the effects on sepsis outcomes. Our results indicate that the consumption of supplements based on ω-3 fatty acids and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids was effective for improving endotoxemia outcomes through prophylactic ingestion and therapeutic usage. Thus, our findings indicated that specific nutrient consumption improves sepsis outcomes and should be considered in treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the Bioaccessibility of Antioxidants after Simulated In Vitro Digestion of Bioprocessed Spelt-Enhanced Wheat Bread

by Marjeta Mencin, Nika Markanovič, Maja Mikulič-Petkovšek, Robert Veberič and Petra Terpinc

Antioxidants 2023, 12(2), 487; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12020487 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine whether the partial replacement of wheat flour with bioprocessed spelt flour contributes to a higher bioaccessibility of the antioxidants in bread. The results showed that the type and amount of bioprocessed spelt flour in a bread recipe has a major impact on the extractable and bound TPC, the content of individual phenolics, their antioxidant activity, and their bioaccessibility as determined by in vitro digestion. Extractable p-coumaric and trans-ferulic acids in breads decreased after digestion, while extractable cis-ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids increased. The bioaccessibility of TPC in the control bread (100% wheat flour), and in bread enriched with 5% “germinated + fermented” spelt flour (GFB5), did not differ. However, the digested GFB5 bread contained 5.2-times more extractable, and 1.3-times more bound, trans-ferulic acid than the digested control bread. trans-Ferulic acid showed the lowest bioaccessibility, up to 2.8%. In GFB2.5 and GFB5 breads, the bioaccessibility of p-coumaric, trans-ferulic, and cis-ferulic acids was higher than in other digested breads. PCA visualized the difference between the undigested and digested breads. The incorporation of germinated and fermented, or germinated and enzymatic, treated spelt flour in a white bread recipe could be an attractive way of providing consumers with nutritionally interesting foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Phenolic Metabolites in Urine Are Inversely Linked to Certain Features of Metabolic Syndrome in Spanish Adolescents

by Emily P. Laveriano-Santos, Paola Quifer-Rada, María Marhuenda-Muñoz, Camila Arancibia-Riveros, Anna Vallverdú-Queralt, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Ana María Ruiz-León, Rosa Casas, Ramon Estruch, Patricia Bodega, Mercedes de Miguel, Amaya de Cos-Gandoy, Jesús Martínez-Gómez, Gloria Santos-Beneit, Juan M. Fernández-Alvira, Rodrigo Fernández-Jiménez and Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós

Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2191; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11112191 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

(1) Background: To explore the association between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its clinical features in adolescents aged 12.02 ± 0.41 years. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 560 participants at baseline in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial. The following MPM, coumaric acids (m-, o-, p-coumaric acids), dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid, dihydroresveratrol, enterolignans, gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydroxytyrosol, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, urolithins (A, B), and vanillic acid, were analyzed by HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS. MetS and its clinical features were defined in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation. (3) Results: Out of all MPM, urolithin A was inversely associated with the diastolic blood pressure z-score. Urolithin B was inversely associated with the MetS score and waist circumference z-score. Additionally, higher levels of gallic acid were associated with lower odds of presenting MetS (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77; 0.93) and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89; 0.98). Higher urolithin B levels were inversely associated with abdominal obesity (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89; 0.98) and high blood glucose (OR = 0.92, 95% CI:0.88; 0.96); (4) Conclusions: gallic acid, urolithin A and B were associated with lower odds of presenting MetS or some of its clinical features in adolescents. This is the first study that evaluates several MPM with MetS in adolescents, highlighting the importance of MPM on cardiometabolic health at early life stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Simulated In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Biological Activity of Thymbra spicata L. Extracts

by Farah Diab, Mohamad Khalil, Giulio Lupidi, Hawraa Zbeeb, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte, Massimo Bramucci, Piero Portincasa and Laura Vergani

Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1778; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11091778 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1721

Abstract

Plants or plant extracts are widely investigated for preventing/counteracting several chronic disorders. The oral route is the most common route for nutraceutical and drug administration. Currently, it is still unclear as to whether and how the pattern of phenolic compounds (PCs) found in the plants as well as their bioactivity could be modified during the gastrointestinal transit. Recent studies have revealed antioxidant and anti-steatotic properties of Thymbra spicata. Here, we investigated the possible loss of phytochemicals that occurs throughout the sequential steps of a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of T. spicata. Crude, digested, and dialyzed extracts were characterized in terms of their phenolic profile and biological activities. Total contents of carbohydrates, proteins, PCs, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids were quantified. The changes in the PC profile and in bioactive compounds upon the simulated GI digestion were monitored by HPLC–MS/MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was measured by different spectrophotometric assays, and the antiproliferative potential was assessed by using three representative human cancer cell lines. We observed that the simulated GI digestion reduced the phytochemical contents in both aqueous and ethanolic T. spicata extracts and modified the PC profile. However, T. spicata extracts improved their antioxidant potential after digestion, while a partial reduction in the antiproliferative activity was observed for the ethanolic extract. Therefore, our results could provide a scientific basis for the employment of T. spicata extract as valuable nutraceutical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 4060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computation-Assisted Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Botanical Extracts: A Case Study of Anti-Inflammatory Natural Products from Hops

by Kevin S. Brown, Paige Jamieson, Wenbin Wu, Ashish Vaswani, Armando Alcazar Magana, Jaewoo Choi, Luce M. Mattio, Paul Ha-Yeon Cheong, Dylan Nelson, Patrick N. Reardon, Cristobal L. Miranda, Claudia S. Maier and Jan F. Stevens

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1400; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11071400 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2200

Abstract

The slow pace of discovery of bioactive natural products can be attributed to the difficulty in rapidly identifying them in complex mixtures such as plant extracts. To overcome these hurdles, we explored the utility of two machine learning techniques, i.e., Elastic Net and Random Forests, for identifying the individual anti-inflammatory principle(s) of an extract of the inflorescences of the hops (Humulus lupulus) containing hundreds of natural products. We fractionated a hop extract by column chromatography to obtain 40 impure fractions, determined their anti-inflammatory activity using a macrophage-based bioassay that measures inhibition of iNOS-mediated formation of nitric oxide, and characterized the chemical composition of the fractions by flow-injection HRAM mass spectrometry and LC-MS/MS. Among the top 10 predictors of bioactivity were prenylated flavonoids and humulones. The top Random Forests predictor of bioactivity, xanthohumol, was tested in pure form in the same bioassay to validate the predicted result (IC₅₀ 7 µM). Other predictors of bioactivity were identified by spectral similarity with known hop natural products using the Global Natural Products Social Networking (GNPS) algorithm. Our machine learning approach demonstrated that individual bioactive natural products can be identified without the need for extensive and repetitive bioassay-guided fractionation of a plant extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Phenolic Compounds on Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in the SUN Project; 10 Years of Follow-Up

by Zenaida Vázquez-Ruiz, Estefanía Toledo, Facundo Vitelli-Storelli, Leticia Goni, Víctor de la O, Maira Bes-Rastrollo and Miguel Ángel Martínez-González

Antioxidants 2022, 11(4), 783; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11040783 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2595

Abstract

The health benefits of plant-based diets have been reported. Plant-based diets found in Spain and other Mediterranean countries differ from typical diets in other countries. In the Mediterranean diet, a high intake of phenolic compounds through olives, olive oil, and red wine may play an important role in cardiovascular prevention. Prospective studies carried out in Mediterranean countries may provide interesting insights. A relatively young Mediterranean cohort of 16,147 Spanish participants free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was followed (61% women, mean (SD) age 37(12) years at baseline) for a median of 12.2 years. Dietary intake was repeatedly assessed using a 136-item validated food frequency questionnaire, and (poly)phenol intake was obtained using the Phenol-Explorer database. Participants were classified as incident cases of CVD if a medical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death was medically confirmed. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between (poly)phenol intake and the incidence of major CVD. A suboptimal intake of phenolic compounds was independently associated with a higher risk of CVD, multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for the lowest versus top 4 quintiles: 1.85 (95% CI: 1.09–3.16). A moderate-to-high dietary intake of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, is likely to reduce CVD incidence in the context of a Mediterranean dietary pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meso-Dihydroguaiaretic Acid Ameliorates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Inhibiting Neutrophilic Inflammation and Scavenging Free Radical

by Yen-Tung Lee, Yu-Li Chen, Yi-Hsuan Wu, Ih-Sheng Chen, Hsun-Shuo Chang, Yi-Hsuan Wang, Shih-Hsin Chang, Yi-Hsiu Wu, Ting-I Kao, Huang-Ping Yu and Tsong-Long Hwang

Antioxidants 2022, 11(1), 123; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11010123 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1966

Abstract

The pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is very complex. Patients with ARDS still suffer high mortality rates. Infiltration and activation of neutrophils in lungs are critical pathogenic factors in ARDS. In this study, we demonstrate that meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA), a natural lignan, inhibits inflammatory responses in human neutrophils and ameliorates ARDS in mice. MDGA inhibited superoxide anion generation and elastase release in various G-protein coupled receptor agonists-induced human neutrophils. However, MDGA did not alter superoxide anion generation and elastase activity in cell-free systems. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of MDGA are mediated by regulating cellular signals in human neutrophils. In consistent with this, MDGA suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in activated human neutrophils. Moreover, MDGA inhibited CD11b expression and adhesion in activated human neutrophils. Interestingly, MDGA reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation but not superoxide anion generation in protein kinase C (PKC) activator-induced human neutrophils, suggesting that MDGA may also have ROS scavenging ability. Indeed, MDGA showed strong free radical scavenging activity in cell-free assays. Significantly, MDGA suppressed PKC-induced neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Additionally, treatment of MDGA attenuated neutrophil infiltration and lung damage on lipopolysaccharide-induced ARDS in mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MDGA has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory effects and free-radical scavenging activity. We also suggest that MDGA has potential to serve as a lead for developing new therapeutics to treat ARDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resveratrol Enhances the Cytotoxic Activity of Lymphocytes from Menopausal Women

by Andrea Di Credico, Giulia Gaggi, Pascal Izzicupo, Ines Bucci and Angela Di Baldassarre

Antioxidants 2021, 10(12), 1914; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10121914 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2031

Abstract

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are the main sources of antioxidants and have positive effects on health through regulation of the redox balance. Accordingly, they represent a useful nutritional source for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Menopausal women have an increased risk of developing NCDs due to hormonal dysregulation and the ongoing aging process. Accordingly, a healthy lifestyle and good nutritional habits are of utmost importance in this population. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol, and it is used as a nutraceutical given its estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of RSV on the lymphocyte cytotoxicity in menopausal women. Lymphocytes from 13 healthy menopausal women (56.18 ± 4.24 years) were isolated, and then cocultured with hTERT-HME1, a breast cell line with a precancerous phenotype. The results showed that, when treated with RSV, lymphocytes significantly increased the TNF-

α

production (p < 0.001), the formation of immune synapses (p = 0.009), and the target cell lysis (p = 0.002). No effects were detected in the lymphocyte total antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, RSV might enhance the immune surveillance in menopausal women by increasing the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Serum from Healthy Adolescents with Optimal Mediterranean Diet Adherence: Findings from DIMENU Cross-Sectional Study

by Giuseppina Augimeri, Angelo Galluccio, Giovanna Caparello, Ennio Avolio, Daniele La Russa, Daniela De Rose, Catia Morelli, Ines Barone, Stefania Catalano, Sebastiano Andò, Cinzia Giordano, Diego Sisci and Daniela Bonofiglio

Antioxidants 2021, 10(8), 1172; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10081172 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3407

Abstract

During adolescence, health status is influenced by several factors, among which dietary pattern is a crucial element of lifestyle in terms of prevention and treatment of metabolic and chronic diseases. The most studied healthy dietary pattern is the Mediterranean Diet (MD), due to a combination of foods that are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. The aim of this study, carried out in healthy adolescents from the DIMENU study, is to assess the adherence to the MD, as well as the dietary nutrient intake and to evaluate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of sera from participants grouped according to the MD score. Using the KIDMED score, as the MD quality index for children and teenagers, we found that the adolescents in this study had an average adherence to the MD (6.71 ± 2.58). Adolescents were clustered into three groups based on their MD adherence. Assessment of quality by 24 h recall revealed higher intakes in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio, dietary fibers, vitamins, and total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in the optimal than in poor MD adherence group. We observed that dietary PUFA/SFA ratio was negatively correlated with serum C-Reactive Protein levels, and total dietary fibers were inversely correlated with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate values, while total ORAC was directly correlated with serum glucose concentrations. Interestingly, the reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) concentrations, determined by the ROM assay, were significantly lower in pooled sera from optimal than poor adherers. Finally, using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human macrophages, as an in vitro model of acute inflammation, we found a reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon serum treatment from adolescents with optimal respect to medium and poor MD adherence. Our results highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of serum from adolescents with healthy nutrition in terms of adherence to the MD, which may have a positive impact on the prevention of chronic diseases in adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applications of Perilla frutescens Extracts in Clinical Practice

by Gigi Adam, Silvia Robu, Mihaela-Magdalena Flutur, Oana Cioanca, Ingrid-Andrada Vasilache, Ana-Maria Adam, Cornelia Mircea, Aurel Nechita, Valeriu Harabor, AnaMaria Harabor and Monica Hancianu

Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 727; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12030727 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2955

Abstract

(1) Background: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is an important pharmaceutical crop that remains a focus point for researchers worldwide due to its complex phytochemical constituents, medicinal effects, and nutraceutical properties. The literature data are based on animal and cell culture studies, so the clinical evidence for the therapeutic effects is poorly outlined. The aim of this review was to provide an updated and thorough understanding of Perilla frutescens applications in clinical practice using data derived from human studies, and to outline the potential directions and perspectives for further studies on this crop. (2) Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to find relevant studies. All interventional studies that evaluated the effect of Perilla frutescens in human subjects were assessed. (3) Results: The main perspectives that can be contoured from the presented literature evaluation are an important clinical effect of Perilla frutescens extracts on allergic rhinoconjuctivitis, especially in young populations, a potent hypolipemiant effect that, in conjunction with increased serum biological antioxidant potential, determines significant improvements in cognitive function and a wide variety of miscellaneous clinical effects that need further exploration. (4) Conclusions: Supplementary research is needed in order to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of Perilla frutescens in controlled clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 1781 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyphenols–Gut–Heart: An Impactful Relationship to Improve Cardiovascular Diseases

by Francesca Bianchi, Annalisa Cappella, Nicoletta Gagliano, Lucia Sfondrini and Alessandra Stacchiotti

Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1700; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11091700 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3528

Abstract

A healthy gut provides the perfect habitat for trillions of bacteria, called the intestinal microbiota, which is greatly responsive to the long-term diet; it exists in a symbiotic relationship with the host and provides circulating metabolites, hormones, and cytokines necessary for human metabolism. The gut–heart axis is a novel emerging concept based on the accumulating evidence that a perturbed gut microbiota, called dysbiosis, plays a role as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, recovery of the gut microbiota composition and function could represent a potential new avenue for improving patient outcomes. Despite their low absorption, preclinical evidence indicates that polyphenols and their metabolites are transformed by intestinal bacteria and halt detrimental microbes’ colonization in the host. Moreover, their metabolites are potentially effective in human health due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the causal role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure; to discuss the beneficial effects of polyphenols on the intestinal microbiota, and to hypothesize polyphenols or their derivatives as an opportunity to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases by shaping gut eubiosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of “Polyphenolic-Food” and Human Health – 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures