Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 55825

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Patrizia Restani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Interests: food allergy; celiac disease; food quality control; food safety; food supplements; antioxidants; wine analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polyphenols are a class of molecules widely represented in nature; they are abundant in all foods of vegetable origin, such as fruit, vegetables, and botanicals.

Polyphenols have received a growing interest due to their possible health properties, which include antioxidant activity and the ability to modulate some risk factors for chronic-degenerative diseases.

There are many studies concerning the association between these molecules and human health; performing a literature search in PuBMed with the terms “polyphenol and human health”, approximately 4200 papers are extracted.

This special number is not an extended review on this topic (already present in the scientific literature) but aims to focus the attention on some critical aspects, such as bioavailability, or describe new research data that broaden the knowledge in the area.

The authors are all engaged in research projects related to the role of diet on human health, to which polyphenols contribute significantly in association with a balanced intake of nutrients.

Dr. Patrizia Restani
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. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

polyphenols
risk factors
diet
health effects
bioavailability

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 171 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health

by Patrizia Restani

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3738; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12123738 - 04 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1988

Abstract

In recent decades, foods rich in polyphenols have received great interest from researchers, who have performed numerous studies in in vitro and animal models and clinical trials [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 6742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Obesity Effect of an Ethanol Extract of Cheongchunchal In Vitro and In Vivo

by Hye Won Kawk, Gun-He Nam, Myeong Jin Kim, Sang-Yong Kim, Gi No Kim and Young-Min Kim

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3453; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113453 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2457

Abstract

Cheongchunchal (CE) is a developed crop more highly enriched in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride (anthocyanin) than conventional waxy corn. Anthocyanin has been proven to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer effects. In this study, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Cheongchunchal was confirmed to contain 8.99 mg/g anthocyanin. The inhibitory effect of an ethanol extract of Cheongchunchal (CE) on adipocyte differentiation was demonstrated using Oil Red O staining and a triglyceride assay. By conducting Western blotting, we also confirmed the regulatory effect of CE on adipocyte differentiation factors by assessing changes in the levels of factors that play a significant role in the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. A C57BL/6N mouse model of obesity was induced with a high-fat diet, and CE (400, 600, and 800 mg/kg/day) or Garcinia (245 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to verify the anti-obesity effect of CE. As a result of CE administration, the food efficiency ratio (FER), weight gain, and weight of tissues decreased. Additionally, blood biochemical changes were observed. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of CE on adipocytes was confirmed through morphological observation and the expression of adipocyte differentiation-related factors in the liver and fat tissues. Therefore, in this study, we verified the anti-obesity effects of anthocyanin-rich CE both in vitro and in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of an Animal Model to Evaluate Anxiolytic Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Tilia tomentosa Moench Bud Extracts

by Federica Turrini, Giulia Vallarino, Francesca Cisani, Dario Donno, Gabriele Loris Beccaro, Paola Zunin, Raffaella Boggia, Anna Pittaluga and Massimo Grilli

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3328; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113328 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are common and complex psychiatric syndromes affecting a broad spectrum of patients. On top of that, we know that aging produces an increase in anxiety vulnerability and sedative consumption. Moreover, stress disorders frequently show a clear gender susceptibility. Currently, the approved pharmacological strategies have severe side effects such as hallucinations, addiction, suicide, insomnia, and loss of motor coordination. Dietary integration with supplements represents an intriguing strategy for improving the efficacy and the safety of synthetic anxiolytics. Accordingly, a recent article demonstrated that glyceric bud extracts from Tilia tomentosa Moench (TTBEs) exert effects that are consistent with anxiolytic activity. However, the effects of these compounds in vivo are unknown. To examine this question, we conducted behavioral analysis in mice. A total of 21 days of oral supplements (vehicle and TTBEs) were assessed by Light Dark and Hole Board tests in male and female mice (young, 3 months; old, 24 months). Interestingly, the principal component analysis revealed gender and age-specific behavioral modulations. Moreover, the diet integration with the botanicals did not modify the body weight gain and the daily intake of water. Our results support the use of TTBEs as dietary supplements for anxiolytic purposes and unveil age and gender-dependent responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation with Resveratrol, Piperine and Alpha-Tocopherol Decreases Chronic Inflammation in a Cluster of Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

by Raúl Francisco Pastor, Marisa Gabriela Repetto, Fabiana Lairion, Alberto Lazarowski, Amalia Merelli, Zulma Manfredi Carabetti, Isabel Pastor, Elena Pastor, Laura Valeria Iermoli, Carlos Amadeo Bavasso and Roberto Héctor Iermoli

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 3149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12103149 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3715

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide regardless of culture, genetic, gender, and geographic differences. While multiple individual risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, can cause cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is the intercurrence of these risk factors that defines MetS as a cluster that creates an environment for atherosclerosis and other manifestations of CVD. Despite the advances in the knowledge and management of each of the components of MetS, there are two molecular biology processes, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are still underdiagnosed and undertreated. In order to assess the effect of a dietary supplement on chronic inflammation in MetS, we conducted a clinical trial with volunteers receiving a formula composed of resveratrol, piperine and alpha tocopherol (FRAMINTROL^®), together with their habitual treatment, for three months. The inflammatory state was evaluated by ultrasensitive C reactive protein (US CRP) and ferritin in plasma, and oxygen consumption and chemiluminescence in neutrophils. The results showed that ferritin decreased by 10% (p < 0.05), US-CRP by 33% (p < 0.0001), oxygen consumption by 55% (p < 0.0001), and spontaneous chemiluminiscence was by 25% (p < 0.005) after treatment. As far as we know, this is the first study showing a chronic inflammation decrease in MetS patients due to the administration of a biopower Resveratrol-piperine and alpha tocopherol dietary supplement together with conventional therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation with Red Wine Extract Increases Insulin Sensitivity and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Sirt1 Expression in Nondiabetic Humans

by Munehiro Kitada, Yoshio Ogura, Itaru Monno and Daisuke Koya

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 3108; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12103108 - 12 Oct 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3252

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with a nonalcoholic red wine extract (RWE), including resveratrol and polyphenols, on insulin sensitivity and Sirt1 expression in nondiabetic humans. The present study was a single-arm, open-label and prospective study. Twelve subjects received supplementation with RWE, including 19.2 mg resveratrol and 136 mg polyphenols, daily for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, metabolic parameters, including glucose/lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers, were evaluated. mRNA expression of Sirt1 was evaluated in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs). Additionally, Sirt1 and phosphorylated AMP-activated kinase (p-AMPK) expression were evaluated in cultured human monocytes (THP-1 cells). Supplementation with RWE for 8 weeks decreased the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), which indicates an increase in insulin sensitivity. Serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased by RWE supplementation for 8 weeks. Additionally, Sirt1 mRNA expression in isolated PBMNCs was significantly increased after 8 weeks of RWE supplementation. Moreover, the rate of increase in Sirt1 expression was positively correlated with the rate of change in HOMA-IR. The administration of RWE increased Sirt1 and p-AMPK expression in cultured THP-1 cells. Supplementation with RWE improved metabolism, such as insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and inflammation, in humans. Additionally, RWE supplementation induced an increase in Sirt1 expression in PBMNCs, which may be associated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Postprandial Effect of Yogurt Enriched with Anthocyanins from Riceberry Rice on Glycemic Response and Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Adults

by Tanisa Anuyahong, Charoonsri Chusak, Thavaree Thilavech and Sirichai Adisakwattana

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 2930; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12102930 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3933

Abstract

The pigment of riceberry rice has been reported to contain anthocyanins which act as a free radical scavenger and inhibitor of carbohydrate digestive enzymes. Since the probiotic yogurt incorporated with the pigment of riceberry rice extract was previously developed, the present study was aimed to investigate the acute effect of riceberry rice yogurt consumption on postprandial glycemic response, antioxidant capacity, and subjective ratings in healthy adults. In a cross-over design, 19 healthy participants were randomized to consume 350 g of yogurt supplemented with 0.25% (w/w) riceberry rice extract or the control yogurt. Postprandial plasma glucose, antioxidant status, and subjective ratings were measured at fasting and intervals (0–3 h) after ingestion of yogurt. The primary outcome was glycemic response; the secondary outcomes were plasma antioxidant capacity. In comparison to the yogurt control, riceberry rice yogurt reduced plasma glucose concentration after 30 min of consumption. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was significantly lower after riceberry rice yogurt load than after the control yogurt load. The consumption of riceberry yogurt caused an acute increase in plasma ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) from the baseline values after 60 min of 0.25 ± 0.06 mM FeSO₄, 253.7 ± 35.5 mM Trolox equivalents, and 166.8 ± 28.9 mM Trolox equivalents, respectively. Furthermore, the iAUCs for FRAP, TEAC, ORAC, and protein thiol were higher in riceberry yogurt consumption compared with the control yogurt (1.6-, 1.6-, 2.9-, and 1.9-fold, respectively). A decrease in iAUC for plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was also observed in the riceberry yogurt group. However, consumption of riceberry rice yogurt and control yogurt showed similar subjective rating scores of hunger, desire to eat, fullness, and satiety. In conclusion, acute consumption of riceberry rice yogurt suppressed postprandial glucose level and improved plasma antioxidant capacity in healthy volunteers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthocyanin-Enriched Riceberry Rice Extract Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes by Downregulating Adipogenic Transcription Factors and Their Targeting Genes

by Phutthida Kongthitilerd, Tanyawan Suantawee, Henrique Cheng, Thavaree Thilavech, Marisa Marnpae and Sirichai Adisakwattana

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2480; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12082480 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4670

Abstract

Riceberry rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a new pigmented variety of rice from Thailand. Despite its high anthocyanin content, its effect on adipogenesis and adipocyte function remains unexplored. We investigated whether Riceberry rice extract (RBE) impacted cell proliferation by examining viability and cell cycle, using preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells. To test RBE’s effect on adipocyte formation, cells were cultured in adipogenic medium supplemented with extract and adipocyte number and triglyceride levels were quantified. Furthermore, Akt1 phosphorylation along with RT-qPCR and intracellular calcium imaging were performed to obtain an insight into its mechanism of action. The effect of RBE on adipocyte function was investigated using glucose uptake and lipolysis assays. Treatment of cells with RBE decreased preadipocyte number without cytotoxicity despite inducing cell cycle arrest (p < 0.05). During adipogenic differentiation, RBE supplementation reduced adipocyte number and triglyceride accumulation by downregulating transcription factors (e.g., PPARγ, C/EBPα, and C/EBPβ) and their target genes (p < 0.05). The Akt1 phosphorylation was decreased by RBE but insignificance, however, the extract failed to increase intracellular calcium signals. Finally, the treatment of adipocytes with RBE reduced glucose uptake by downregulating Glut4 mRNA expression and enhanced isoproterenol-induced lipolysis (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that RBE could potentially be used in the treatment of obesity by inhibiting adipocyte formation and proliferation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenolic Maqui Extract as a Potential Nutraceutical to Treat TNBS-Induced Crohn’s Disease by the Regulation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways

by Tamara Ortiz, Federico Argüelles-Arias, Matilde Illanes, Josefa-María García-Montes, Elena Talero, Laura Macías-García, Ana Alcudia, Victoria Vázquez-Román, Virginia Motilva and Manuel De-Miguel

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1752; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12061752 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3578

Abstract

Nutraceuticals include a wide variety of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, which have been highlighted for their remarkable health benefits. Specially, maqui berries have shown great antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects on some inflammatory diseases. The objectives of the present study were to explore the therapeutic effects of maqui berries on acute-phase inflammation in Crohn’s disease. Balb/c mice were exposed to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) via intracolonic administration. Polyphenolic maqui extract (Ach) was administered orally daily for 4 days after TNBS induction (Curative Group), and for 7 days prior to the TNBS induction until sacrifice (Preventive Group). Our results showed that both preventive and curative Ach administration inhibited body weight loss and colon shortening, and attenuated the macroscopic and microscopic damage signs, as well as significantly reducing transmural inflammation and boosting the recovery of the mucosal architecture and its muco-secretory function. Additionally, Ach promotes macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype and was capable of down-regulating significantly the expression of inflammatory proteins COX-2 and iNOS, and at the same time it regulates the antioxidant Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. In conclusion, this is the first study in which it is demonstrated that the properties of Ach as could be used as a preventive and curative treatment in Crohn’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)-Based Dietary Supplements: Variation in Mass Uniformity, Proanthocyanidin Dosage and Anthocyanin Profile Demonstrates Quality Control Standard Needed

by Giuseppe Mannino, Vita Di Stefano, Antonino Lauria, Rosa Pitonzo and Carla Gentile

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 992; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12040992 - 03 Apr 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4265

Abstract

Vaccinium macrocarpon (syn. American Cranberry) is employed in dietary supplements (DS) with the aim to improve urinary tract well-being. This property is linked to the antiadhesion-activity of proanthocyanidins (PACs) against uropathogenic-bacteria. However, the current European legislation has been criticized for being weak and ineffective. Indeed, recent scientific works report mislabeled, contaminated, and adulterated supplements containing dangerous or unknown compounds, or sold at toxic doses. In this work, we analysed 24 DS that claim to contain cranberry, and to have a specific dosage of PACs. Our tests included the control of the good manufacturing practice according to the European Pharmacopoeia, and the verification of the claimed dosage of PACs. Moreover, in order to confirm the real presence of cranberry in DS, chemical fingerprinting via HPLC-UV/Vis-MS/MS was employed. Our results showed that 17 DS did not comply with the uniformity test of dosage forms, and only five contained cranberry. Finally, 16 DS claimed an incorrect amount of PACs. These data suggest that several cranberry-based DS are present in the European market with insufficient quality controls. Considering that often DS are self-prescribed by consumer relying on their claim, the data obtained in this work should encourage more controls and stricter rules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

30 pages, 548 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Polyphenols and Human Health: The Role of Bioavailability

by Chiara Di Lorenzo, Francesca Colombo, Simone Biella, Creina Stockley and Patrizia Restani

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 273; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13010273 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 358 | Viewed by 17384

Abstract

Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals with potential health-promoting effects. They are classified as flavonoid (flavonols, flavanols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, and anthocyanins) and non-flavonoid molecules (phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, lignans, stilbenes, and tannins). Although an increasing number of trials have shown a correlation among polyphenol consumption and a reduction in risk factors for chronic diseases, discrepancies in explaining their positive effects have been found in terms of the bioavailability. In fact, polyphenols show a low bioavailability due to several factors: interaction with the food matrix, the metabolic processes mediated by the liver (phase I and II metabolism), intestine and microbiota. On the other hand, the biological activities of phenol compounds may be mediated by their metabolites, which are produced in vivo, and recent studies have confirmed that these molecules may have antioxidant and anti-phlogistic properties. This review discusses the studies performed in vivo, which consider the polyphenol bioavailability and their different food sources. Factors influencing the biological effects of the main classes of polyphenols are also considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 793 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Polyphenols on Insulin Resistance

by Gary Williamson and Katherine Sheedy

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 3135; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12103135 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6745

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is apparent when tissues responsible for clearing glucose from the blood, such as adipose and muscle, do not respond properly to appropriate signals. IR is estimated based on fasting blood glucose and insulin, but some measures also incorporate an oral glucose challenge. Certain (poly)phenols, as supplements or in foods, can improve insulin resistance by several mechanisms including lowering postprandial glucose, modulating glucose transport, affecting insulin signalling pathways, and by protecting against damage to insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. As shown by intervention studies on volunteers, the most promising candidates for improving insulin resistance are (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epicatechin-containing foods and anthocyanins. It is possible that quercetin and phenolic acids may also be active, but data from intervention studies are mixed. Longer term and especially dose-response studies on mildly insulin resistant participants are required to establish the extent to which (poly)phenols and (poly)phenol-rich foods may improve insulin resistance in compromised groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI