Polyphenols
Polyphenols are natural compounds found in many plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and wine. They belong to a large family of plant chemicals and include groups such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. Polyphenols act as antioxidants, helping protect the body’s cells from damage, and they also have anti-inflammatory effects. Because of these properties, diets rich in polyphenols have been linked to better heart health, improved brain function, and lower risk of chronic diseases.
Is this used to correct a deficiency or achieve supramaximal levels?
Deficiency
Is it taken for life span or health span?
Healthspan and inadvertently lifespan
Is it targeting a specific disease? Or general health?
Inflammatory disorders, depression
Any genetic involvement?
Sirt1, PPARγ, NF-κB, and genes in the MAPK pathway
Is there a biomarker to track its effects?
Urine and plasma
MOA of supplement
Polyphenols work by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage. They also support healthy metabolism and brain function by improving blood flow and protecting nerve cells. These effects may help lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Risk vs reward
+ May be a helpful in the treatment of depression
+ May reduce inflammation and cardio metabolic markers
+ May be a helpful treatment for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory
- Polyphenols have no effect on cognitive decide
Evidence for it?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomised controlled trials with 1,523 participants tested whether polyphenol supplements could improve depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL). Overall, polyphenol use significantly reduced depression scores compared to placebo, though results varied widely between studies. Most studies on anxiety and QoL showed small improvements, but the pooled analysis found no significant effects. Some trials focused on women around menopause, leaving gaps in evidence for men. These findings suggest polyphenols may be a helpful add-on to depression treatment, but more research is needed to clarify which types work best, in which groups, and whether they also improve anxiety and QoL.
A randomised controlled trial tested whether a polyphenol-rich supplement (1,200 mg/day) combined with a reduced-calorie diet could improve health in people with morbid obesity (BMI ≥40). Forty adults awaiting bariatric surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks, both alongside a calorie-restricted diet. The main outcome was weight loss, with additional measures including body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation markers, and gut bacteria. The study found that while both groups lost weight from the diet, those receiving polyphenols showed greater improvements in cardiometabolic markers and reduced inflammation, suggesting that supplementation may enhance the benefits of dietary therapy in severe obesity.
A randomised controlled trial in Beijing tested whether a polyphenol-rich supplement could improve symptoms in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease that reduces quality of life. A total of 120 participants received either the supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. The supplement group showed a much greater reduction in disease severity, measured by the SCORAD index, along with improved quality of life scores (DLQI) and lower blood levels of inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. These findings suggest that polyphenol supplementation may be a safe and effective addition to standard care for AD, with potential for broader use in other inflammatory skin conditions.
Evidence against it?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomised controlled trials with 1,976 participants looked at whether polyphenol supplements improve executive functions (skills like memory, planning, and attention) in overweight or obese adults at risk of cognitive decline. Overall, polyphenols had no significant effect. Some individual studies showed small benefits, such as curcumin or flavonoids improving short-term task performance, and spearmint or resveratrol helping specific memory or attention measures, but these effects were inconsistent. The findings suggest polyphenols may have potential in younger at-risk groups, but more high-quality studies are needed with clearer reporting of supplement content and standardised testing methods.
Best bioavailable form?
Powder
Advice on taking it?
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