Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009 Nov-Dec;2(5):270-8. doi: 10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498.

Abstract

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants and are generally involved in defense against ultraviolet radiation or aggression by pathogens. In the last decade, there has been much interest in the potential health benefits of dietary plant polyphenols as antioxidant. Epidemiological studies and associated meta-analyses strongly suggest that long term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols offer protection against development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we present knowledge about the biological effects of plant polyphenols in the context of relevance to human health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Flavonoids / chemistry*
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology
  • Health
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / chemistry
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Phenols / chemistry*
  • Phenols / pharmacology
  • Plants / chemistry*
  • Polyphenols

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Phenols
  • Polyphenols