Study on the interaction between grain polyphenols and intestinal microorganisms: A review

Studies have shown that grain polyphenols are mainly utilized by microorganisms in the large intestine and feedback regulate the composition of intestinal microorganisms. In addition, microorganisms in the intestine and the host are interdependent, and the polyphenols can coordinate their social behaviors through quorum sensing (QS) communication system. Therefore, the interaction between grain polyphenols and intestinal microorganisms were preliminarily explored in this paper, and the classification of grain polyphenols, the digestion and absorption of grain polyphenols in the gastrointestinal tract and the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and QS were summarized. It was found that grain polyphenols had a promoting effect on intestinal beneficial bacteria, and plant polyphenols can be used as a QS inhibitor to regulate the expression of virulence factors of some intestinal harmful bacteria. This study is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the study on the regulation of intestinal microorganisms by grain polyphenols through QS mechanism, in order to regulate intestinal homeostasis and promote human health.