Impact of Polyphenols on Gut Health

Polyphenols are natural plant compounds and the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet. Due to their considerable structural diversity, this extensively influences their bioavailability.

Since a large proportion of polyphenols remain unabsorbed along the gastrointestinal tract, they can accumulate in the large intestine, where most are extensively metabolized by the gut microbiota.

Polyphenol-derived bioactive metabolite formation can also benefit individuals' health status, although the mechanisms have not yet been fully delineated.

It is worth noting the impact of polyphenols on gut health and potential modes of action, through:

– The ability to modify the composition of the gut microbiota.

Some polyphenols, including quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), genistein, and resveratrol, exhibit protective effects on the functions of intestinal tight junctions by increasing transepithelial electrical resistance, through modulating the expression and/or distribution of junctional proteins.

There are some studies showing that polyphenols can modulate the barrier properties of mucus, nutrient absorption by mucus, and the viscoelastic microenvironments of intestinal bacteria, limiting microbial adherence and subsequent invasion.

Another mucosal defense mechanism is the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, also known as “natural antibiotics.” They play a significant role in innate immunity, exhibiting antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Currently, more than 400 antimicrobial peptides have been identified in plants and animals.

Antimicrobial peptides are produced by cells in the immune system along the mucosal epithelium. Most antimicrobial peptides act by physically disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes. As a result, they function as broad-spectrum antimicrobials, agents against different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses.

Studies from the last decade have demonstrated that polyphenols are capable of conferring their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties through the modulation of cellular molecular signaling pathways. Polyphenols can regulate the expression and production of various cytokines and chemokines to attenuate inflammation. This is because polyphenols are inhibitors of NF-kB, a key transcription factor for the inflammatory response.

References: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2020.1744512

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