Recent Advances in Health Promoting Effect of Dietary Polyphenols

Association between intake of polyphenols and reduction in the risk of disease has been reported in cohort studies. Extensive researches which started after World War II have proposed many mechanisms to explain the biology behind this association. The exact molecular interactions of polyphenols at cellular level in the biological system remains speculative. Besides, doses for effective response and bioavailability are other important issues which remain unanswered. In 2009, we reviewed dietary polyphenols including their occurrence, synthesis and properties (Curr Nutr Food Sci 2009; 5: 249-63). Much progress has recently been made in the field of polyphenol research. Tools have improved significantly over the past few years and new databases have been created. The present article provides an update on the current understanding of polyphenols.