Biofactors in food promote health by enhancing mitochondrial function

Abstract

Mitochondrial function has been linked to protection from and symptom reduction in chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We review a number of phytochemicals and biofactors that influence mitochondrial function and oxidative metabolism. These include resveratrol found in grapes; several plant-derived flavonoids (quercetin, epicatechin, catechin and procyanidins); and two tyrosine-derived quinones, hydroxytyrosol in olive oil and pyrroloquinoline quinone, a minor but ubiquitous component of plant and animal tissues. In plants, these biofactors serve as pigments, phytoalexins or growth factors. In animals, positive nutritional and physiological attributes have been established for each, particularly with respect to their ability to affect energy metabolism, cell signaling and mitochondrial function.

Flavonoid Dietetics: Mechanisms and Emerging Roles of Plant Nutraceuticals

“…Resveratrol, quercetin, procyanidins, catechins, hydroxytyrosol, and pyrroloquinoline quinine (PQQ) were found to enhance mitochondrial function [190]. Furthermore, resveratrol and quercetin (doses of ~ 500-1000 mg/day) improved the levels of anti-inflammatory mediators.…”

Vitamins and Food-Derived Biofactors

“…With respect to health effects, epidemiological studies have shown correlations between the numerous dietary intake bioactive factors and the risk of chronic diseases (Schaefer, 2006;Shenoy et al, 2011). In plants, compounds that serve as secondary metabolites have evolved to provide protective camouflage, repel predators, or facilitate electron transport and in the transformation of specific wavelengths of light into chemical energy.…”

“…In plants, compounds that serve as secondary metabolites have evolved to provide protective camouflage, repel predators, or facilitate electron transport and in the transformation of specific wavelengths of light into chemical energy. Included in the discussion are descriptions for resveratrol, quercetin, various procyanidins, hydroxytyrosol, and pyrroloquinoline quinone (Schroeter et al, 2010;Shenoy et al, 2011; Figure 6). A xenobiotic is an external chemical that a given organism does not normally produce and is either eliminated or put to a novel use.…”

“…Studies designed to elucidate resveratrol's actions have nevertheless been useful as research templates for the now hundreds of studies dealing with the role and function of biofactors in general (Shenoy et al, 2011). When administered orally, resveratrol appears readily absorbed; however, this is followed by extensive hepatic gluconuridation and sulfation to form resveratrol-3-Oglucuronide and resveratrol-3-sulfate.…”

“…Extra-virgin olive oil (produced with no chemical processing) has been identified as an important contributor to the reduced mortality associated with consuming a Mediterranean diet (Shenoy et al, 2011). The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lowered incidence of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, particularly compared with cultures wherein the consumption of meat and saturated fat predominate.…”