Polyphenols in Human Health and Analytical Chemistry

Polyphenols are a diverse group of plant-derived secondary metabolites characterised by multiple phenolic rings. They encompass subclasses such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes and lignans, and occur ubiquitously in fruits, vegetables, tea, wine and other botanicals. In human health research, polyphenols have attracted attention for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, modulation of signalling pathways and interactions with the gut microbiota, collectively contributing to the prevention and management of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, diabetes and cancer. Challenges in translating these benefits to clinical outcomes centre on the low and variable bioavailability of polyphenols, rapid metabolism and extensive conjugation in vivo. Analytical chemistry underpins progress by providing methods to extract, separate, identify and quantify complex polyphenolic profiles in foods, biological fluids and waste streams. Innovations in green extraction techniques, sample preparation and high-resolution separation coupled with mass spectrometry have improved sensitivity, selectivity and throughput, enabling comprehensive characterisation of polyphenol intake, biotransformation and tissue distribution. Together, advances in human health and analytical methodologies highlight the global significance of polyphenols as nutraceutical agents, functional food components and sustainable bioresources.

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Polyphenols in Human Health and Analytical Chemistry publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in polyphenols in human health and analytical chemistry across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Polyphenol: A plant secondary metabolite containing two or more phenolic rings, often with antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant capacity: The ability of a compound or extract to neutralise free radicals or reactive oxygen species.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an ingested compound that reaches systemic circulation in an active form.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM): A statistical technique for optimising experimental conditions to maximise or minimise a response variable.

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS): An analytical platform combining chromatographic separation with sequential mass analysis for sensitive compound identification and quantification.

References

1. Optimisation of polyphenol extraction for the valorisation of spent gin botanicals. LWT (2024).
2. The Role of Polyphenols in Human Health and Food Systems: A Mini-Review. Frontiers in Nutrition (2018).
3. Bioavailability of the Polyphenols: Status and Controversies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2010).
4. Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Oxidative Stress-Induced Human Diseases: Insights Into Protective Effects, Antioxidant Potentials and Mechanism(s) of Action. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022).
5. Determination of Polyphenols Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Technique (LC–MS/MS): A Review. Antioxidants (2020).
6. Food Bioactive Compounds and Emerging Techniques for Their Extraction: Polyphenols as a Case Study. Foods (2020).