Dietary polyphenols for atherosclerosis: A comprehensive review and future perspectives

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is one of the most prevalent reasons for premature death in adults. Despite the several conventional drugs in the market; many patients are not completely treated. Here we comprehensively review current clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of dietary polyphenols in atherosclerosis and related complications. PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus were searched from inception until August 2016 to obtain clinical trials in which polyphenols were evaluated in cardiovascular parameters related to atherosclerosis. From total of 13031 results, 49 clinical trials were finally included. Tyrosol derivatives from virgin olive oil, catechins and theaflavins from green and black tea, cocoa polyphenols, and red grape resveratrol, as well as anthocyanins were the most studied polyphenolic compounds which could regulate lipid profile, inflammation and oxidative stress, blood pressure, endothelial function, and cell adhesion molecules. The most important limitations of the included trials were small sample size, short follow up, and unqualified methodology. Future well-designed clinical trials are necessary to provide better level of evidence for clinical decision making.

Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents for atherosclerosis

“…Polyphenols occur naturally in plants and plant products, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, tea and coffee [ 43 , 55 ]. Examples of polyphenols include flavonoids present in tea, cocoa and blackberries, resveratrol in red wine, hydroxytyrosol in olives and curcumin in turmeric.…”

“…Due to their abundance in edible plants and established anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there has been increased interest in the use of polyphenols to reduce the risk of CVD [ 43 ]. Early epidemiological studies were able to highlight the cardiovascular protective effects of polyphenols found in olives and grapes [ 43 , 55 ]. Since these early studies, hundreds of polyphenol compounds have been identified [ 43 , 55 ].…”

“…Early epidemiological studies were able to highlight the cardiovascular protective effects of polyphenols found in olives and grapes [ 43 , 55 ]. Since these early studies, hundreds of polyphenol compounds have been identified [ 43 , 55 ]. However the Mediterranean diet remains the gold standard for polyphenol dietary intake and therefore a large number of investigations have focused on the polyphenols commonly found within this diet (e.g.…”

The Importance of Polyphenols as Functional Food in Health

“…Polyphenols from various plant foods have a protective effect on cardiovascular system by various mechanisms (preventing oxidation of LDL, increasing HDL, reducing LDL and triglycerides). The most studied herbal foods with anti-atherosclerotic proporties are; extra virgin olive oil, bitter chocolate, black and green tea, forest fruits, citrus fruits and grapes (28). LDL, which is made up of lipophilic structures, is one of the causes of atherosclerosis when oxidized.…”

Deciphering the Riddles in Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease

“…96 Both short-and long-term tea consumption have shown to improve endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation, reverse endothelial vasomotor dysfunction in CHD patients and are associated with favourable changes on lipid profile. [97][98][99] These effects translate into a lower risk of developing CHD and major cardiac events, even all-cause mortality. 100,101 The evidence for a favourable CVD profile is based on regular tea consumption (3-5 cups/day) without added sugars, sweeteners or milks and creams (both animal and plant-based), and that should be the proper way to tackle any recommendation on this beverage.…”