Polyphenolic Compounds from Diet: Potential Role in Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Effects on Human Body

There is growing interest in polyphenolic compounds due to their possible health advantages as they are naturally occurring plant-derived bioactive compounds. The bioavailability of dietary polyphenols is fairly low due to their varied structural features that impact their biological properties. Significant portion of polyphenols remain unabsorbed in small intestine and these unabsorbed polyphenols tends to buildup in large intestine, where they are effectively metabolised by intestinal microbiota. The gut microbiota has been recognised as crucial player in regulating biological activity and bioavailability of phenolic metabolites. In addition to this, emerging studies suggest the importance of dietary polyphenols in modulating the population or activity of microbes in the colon and also in maintenance of gut microbial balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. Moreover, these interactions have been linked to a number of beneficial health effects, including improved gut barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and improved immunological functions. Recent researches have shown that dietary polyphenols offer broad range of health benefits through their mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship with the microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract.