Flavanol-rich cocoa: a cardioprotective nutraceutical

Cardiol Rev. 2008 May-Jun;16(3):109-15. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0b013e31815d95e2.

Abstract

A growing number of epidemiologic studies have shown a link between the ingestion of flavonoid-rich cocoa and cardiovascular health benefits. A particular kind of flavonoid found in cocoa, namely flavan-3-ol (flavanol), has recently received more attention in this context. This review discusses the cardioprotective properties of flavanols, and the mechanisms underlying these beneficial actions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacokinetics
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Availability
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Cacao*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Flavonoids / pharmacokinetics
  • Flavonoids / therapeutic use*
  • Food Handling
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • flavan-3-ol