Phenolics and polyphenolic compounds in food and as functional food ingredients: characterization, mechanism(s) of action, structure modification and process effects

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Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the consumption of plant foods is associated with reduced risk of degenerative diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancer. Plant components responsible for such effects are represented by a myriad of compounds, a major class being bioactive phenolics and polyphenolics that render antioxidant effects, among others. Thus, procurement and identification of such bioactives and examination of their properties and physiological benefits must be established in order to provide credible evidence for their efficacy. The mechanism(s) of action of phenolics and polyphenolics in health promotion and disease risk reduction includes a multiple and complex series of events. Thus, scavenging of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, preventing oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a culprit in heart disease, retarding breakdown of DNA and mutation, responsible for cancer, and inhibition of excess nitric oxide production with its deleterious effects need to be examined carefully. In addition, advanced glycation endpoints (AGEs) responsible for diabetes, cataract, neuropathy and alike are among the other mechanisms by which phenolics/polyphenolics are known to promote health. Since foods are consumed on a continuous basis, their enrichment with health beneficial components, via different processing operations or enhancement through agricultural practices, or retention during food preparation or improved absorption and bioavailability are of utmost importance. Certain bioactives may also be extracted and used as nutraceuticals/natural health products. This work would provide the necessary information for unraveling the identity of important phenolic and polyphenolic compounds present, their content and changes due to processing or modification for activity enhancement. In addition, mechanisms of actions of such bioactives will be unraveled in order to fill the existing gap in the available literature. Findings of this work would thus provide fundamental scientific information and also leads to practical applications which may contribute to health care cost reduction through preventive and possibly therapeutic means.