Plant Polyphenols, More than Just Simple Natural Antioxidants: Oxidative Stress, Aging and Age-Related Diseases.

Duangjai Tungmunnithum,Christophe Hano

doi:10.3390/medicines7050026

Abstract

The present editorial serves as an introduction to the Special Issue “Antioxidant and Anti-aging Action of Plant Polyphenols”. It also provides a summary of the polyphenols, their biological properties and possible functions as medicines, the importance of traditional medicines as a source of inspiration, the rationalization of new uses of plant extracts which lead to applications in modern medicine, the status of modern green-chemistry extraction methods, and some reflections on future prospects. Here, the articles from this Special Issue, and the main aspects of the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of plant polyphenols are discussed in the form of seven questions.

Highlights

Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC), INRAE USC1328, Bioactifs et Cosmétiques, CNRS GDR3711, 45067 Orléans CEDEX 2, France
Polyphenols are characterized by the presence of at least two phenolic groups associated in more or less complex structures, generally of high molecular weight, but simple phenolics, that could be polyphenol precursors, are considered to belong to this group
Some of them are responsible for the aroma, color, antioxidant properties of the fruit, vegetables, seeds and nuts that we consumed

Summary

What Are These Polyphenols?

Polyphenols are plant non-nutrient natural products or the so-called plant secondary metabolites found in fruits, vegetables and seeds that we consume daily. Polyphenols, include, but are not limited to, phenolic acids, coumarins, flavonoids, stilbenes and lignans (Figure 1). Polyphenols are becoming increasingly important, in particular because of their beneficial effects on health Their role as natural antioxidants is increasing in the prevention and treatment of cancer [2,3,4], inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases [1]. Their intakes from fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts have been associated with lower risks of chronic and age-related degenerative diseases [5,6].

Most of them a hydroxy in position

What Are the Polyphenols Used to Promote Human Health?

To What Extent Can Traditional Medicines Be a Source of Inspiration?

What Position Do the Modern Green-Chemistry Extraction Methods Have?

Findings

Future Prospects