Dietary Polyphenols: Review on Chemistry/Sources, Bioavailability/Metabolism, Antioxidant Effects, and Their Role in Disease Management

Abstract

Polyphenols, as secondary metabolites ubiquitous in plant sources, have emerged as pivotal bioactive compounds with far-reaching implications for human health. Plant polyphenols exhibit direct or indirect associations with biomolecules capable of modulating diverse physiological pathways. Due to their inherent abundance and structural diversity, polyphenols have garnered substantial attention from both the scientific and clinical communities. The review begins by providing an in-depth analysis of the chemical intricacies of polyphenols, shedding light on their structural diversity and the implications of such diversity on their biological activities. Subsequently, an exploration of the dietary origins of polyphenols elucidates the natural plant-based sources that contribute to their global availability. The discussion extends to the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols within the human body, unraveling the complex journey from ingestion to systemic effects. A central focus of the review is dedicated to unravelling the antioxidant effects of polyphenols, highlighting their role in combating oxidative stress and associated health conditions. The comprehensive analysis encompasses their impact on diverse health concerns such as hypertension, allergies, aging, and chronic diseases like heart stroke and diabetes. Insights into the global beneficial effects of polyphenols further underscore their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents. This review article critically examines the multifaceted aspects of dietary polyphenols, encompassing their chemistry, dietary origins, bioavailability/metabolism dynamics, and profound antioxidant effects. The synthesis of information presented herein aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between polyphenols and human health.