Polyphenols
Introduction to Polyphenols
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in botanicals, vegetables, and fruits, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and curcuminoids (1).
They support gut microbiome health and are associated with cognitive and inflammatory processes (2).
However, their full potential lies not in individual molecules but in the complex natural mixtures they form in their original source ingredients (3).
There are many individual polyphenol molecules being marketed in solitary form, like resveratrol, quercetin, apigenin, EGCG, and others. But polyphenols rarely act in isolation. In their natural matrix within plants, they exist alongside other polyphenols we have never studied or other bioactive compounds like vitamins, fibers, and minerals, creating a synergistic effect (4).
This complexity allows polyphenols to interact with multiple biological pathways, supporting normal cellular functions and overall health.
They support gut microbiome health and are associated with cognitive and inflammatory processes (2).
However, their full potential lies not in individual molecules but in the complex natural mixtures they form in their original source ingredients (3).
There are many individual polyphenol molecules being marketed in solitary form, like resveratrol, quercetin, apigenin, EGCG, and others. But polyphenols rarely act in isolation. In their natural matrix within plants, they exist alongside other polyphenols we have never studied or other bioactive compounds like vitamins, fibers, and minerals, creating a synergistic effect (4).
This complexity allows polyphenols to interact with multiple biological pathways, supporting normal cellular functions and overall health.
Role in Brain Health
Polyphenols support brain health by acting as antioxidants and influencing inflammatory pathways (1, 5). They are associated with processes involved in neurogenesis, supporting synaptic function, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, and promoting normal energy metabolism in brain cells. By modulating gut microbiota, polyphenols contribute to the gut-brain axis and cognitive processes (2).
Axolt Formulation Principles
Axolt prioritizes the use of botanicals—plants or their parts—retaining their natural composition. Polyphenols, a cornerstone of this approach, exemplify the long-term brain health benefits of plant-based compounds (5). Only up to 10% of polyphenols are absorbed in the small intestine; the rest reach the colon, where they are metabolized by beneficial bacteria and inhibit harmful pathogens (6). Unlike synthetic alternatives, polyphenols support cognitive function by influencing inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress, promoting long-term brain health in alignment with Axolt’s commitment to holistic and sustainable solutions.
Core Benefits and Claims
- Antioxidant Activity: Polyphenols help neutralize free radicals and support the health of neurons and glial cells (3).
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Supporting the body’s natural response to inflammation by influencing pro-inflammatory cytokines (7).
- Gut-Brain Axis Modulation: Polyphenols nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which produce metabolites that are associated with brain function (4).
- Improved Blood Flow: Supporting vascular health and helping ensure oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain (8).
- Gut Barrier Protection: Polyphenols support the gut’s natural barrier function, influencing tight junction proteins (9).
Resources
- Scalbert A, Manach C, Morand C, Rémésy C, Jiménez L. Dietary polyphenols and the prevention of diseases. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2005;45(4):287-306. doi: 10.1080/1040869059096. PMID: 16047496.
- Chatterjee A, Kumar S, Roy Sarkar S, Halder R, Kumari R, Banerjee S, Sarkar B. Dietary polyphenols represent a phytotherapeutic alternative for gut dysbiosis associated neurodegeneration: A systematic review. J Nutr Biochem. 2024 Jul;129:109622. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109622. Epub 2024 Mar 13. PMID: 38490348.
- Brglez Mojzer E, Knez Hrnčič M, Škerget M, Knez Ž, Bren U. Polyphenols: Extraction Methods, Antioxidative Action, Bioavailability and Anticarcinogenic Effects. Molecules. 2016 Jul 11;21(7):901. doi: 10.3390/molecules21070901. PMID: 27409600; PMCID: PMC6273793.
- Wang K, Hu S. The synergistic effects of polyphenols and intestinal microbiota on osteoporosis. Front Immunol. 2023 Oct 23;14:1285621. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285621. PMID: 37936705; PMCID: PMC10626506.
- X: Seeram NP, Cichewicz RH, Chandra A, Nair MG. Cyclooxygenase inhibitory and antioxidant compounds from crabapple fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Mar 26;51(7):1948-51. doi: 10.1021/jf025993u. PMID: 12643656.
- Williamson G, Clifford MN. Role of the small intestine, colon and microbiota in determining the metabolic fate of polyphenols. Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Sep 1;139:24-39. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.012. Epub 2017 Mar 18. PMID: 28322745.
- Coletro HN, Diniz AP, Guimarães NS, Carraro JCC, Mendonça RD, Meireles AL. Polyphenols for improvement of inflammation and symptoms in rheumatic diseases: systematic review. Sao Paulo Med J. 2021 Nov 15;139(6):615-623. doi: 10.1590/1516-3180.2020.0766.R1.22042021. PMID: 34787296; PMCID: PMC9634844.
- Wood E, Hein S, Mesnage R, Fernandes F, Abhayaratne N, Xu Y, Zhang Z, Bell L, Williams C, Rodriguez-Mateos A. Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023 Jun;117(6):1306-1319. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.03.017. Epub 2023 Mar 25. PMID: 36972800; PMCID: PMC10315404.
- Drabińska N, Jarocka-Cyrta E. Crosstalk between Resveratrol and Gut Barrier: A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 3;23(23):15279. doi: 10.3390/ijms232315279. PMID: 36499603; PMCID: PMC9739931.
