Plant Polyphenols and Their Potential Benefits on Cardiovascular Health: A Review

Abstract

Fruits, vegetables, and other food items contain phytochemicals or secondary metabolites which may be considered non-essential nutrients but have medicinal importance. These dietary phytochemicals exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against numerous diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. These compounds exhibit several health benefits such as immune modulators, vasodilators, and antioxidants. This review focuses on recent studies on using dietary polyphenols to treat cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, and vascular endothelium deficits. We focus on exploring the safety of highly effective polyphenols to ensure their maximum impact on cardiac abnormalities and discuss recent epidemiological evidence and intervention trials related to these properties. Kaempferol, quercetin, and resveratrol prevent oxidative stress by regulating proteins that induce oxidation in heart tissues. In addition, polyphenols modulate the tone of the endothelium of vessels by releasing nitric oxide (NO) and reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation to prevent atherosclerosis. In cardiomyocytes, polyphenols suppress the expression of inflammatory markers and inhibit the production of inflammation markers to exert an anti-inflammatory response. Consequently, heart diseases such as strokes, hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease could be prevented by dietary polyphenols.

Phytochemicals and Their Usefulness in the Maintenance of Health

“…In addition, polyphenols modulate the tone of the endothelium of vessels by releasing NO and reducing LDL oxidation to prevent atherosclerosis. In cardiomyocytes, polyphenols suppress the expression of inflammatory markers and inhibit the production of inflammation markers [ 152 ].…”

Review of the pharmacokinetics of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) in humans

“…The vascular endothelium plays an essential role in cardiovascular health ( 65 ) and binding and/or uptake of dietary polyphenols to endothelial cells presumably contributes to beneficial health effects. Since Pycnogenol ® constituents and metabolites bound to blood cells, distribution into endothelial cells was additionally investigated ( 20 ).…”

Influence of Alcohol on Intracerebral Hemorrhage: From Oxidative Stress to Glial Cell Activation

“…The growing body of research on plant-based compounds underscores their pivotal role in promoting human health and preventing chronic diseases. Recent studies have focused on the intricate ways in which dietary phytochemicals, such as polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, interact with the gut microbiota, influencing metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disease outcomes [ 141 , 142 ]. These interactions have been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways, enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms, and improve gut barrier function, which are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and preventing disease progression [ 143 ].…”