Natural Product Polyphenols of Relevance to Human Health

Polyphenols are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and represent an abundant antioxidant component of the human diet. The review offers a brief description of the chemistry and occurrence in plant food of four important groups of polyphenols: phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. Interest in the possible health benefits of polyphenols has increased due to corresponding antioxidant capacity. Considerable evidence is now available showing anticarcinogenic effects of polyphenolic compounds, as well as potential to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The use of botanicals has received a large amount of attention in recent years. Epidemiological studies have shown that a reduced risk of cancer is associated with diets rich in vegetables and fruits, and methods for the discovery and characterization of active compounds from plant sources are available. These results are promising, but additional research on the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenols and their application to human health is required.