Konposatu fenolikoak eta osasuna

Abstract

Phenolic compounds make up a wide group of different substances that can be grouped together by its chemical structure. They are synthesized by plants as secondary metabolites in response to aggressions such as ultraviolet radiation, pathogens, oxidative damage and rough climatic conditions. For this reason, they can be found in plant based foodstuffs, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils, teas and wines. The majority of the phenolic compounds present on food are found as esters, glycosides or polymers, which have to be hydrolyzed in the gut before being absorbed. By the action of the so called phase II enzymes, the phenolic compounds are metabolized in the small bowel and in the liver. Some of the metabolites produced in the liver are secreted to the small bowel through the bile duct, where they will be either deconjugated to be reabsorbed or reach the colon. Once in the large bowel, the phenolic compounds are further metabolized by the gut microbiota. As a consequence of all these processes, the bioavailability of the phenolic compounds is low. The excretion of the phenolic compounds and their metabolites is basically done through the urine. They are bioactive compounds with high antioxidant capacity. In the last years, different beneficial effects against the development of some illnesses (cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative illnesses) were attributed to these compounds, in part because of their antioxidant effect, and also due to other different mechanisms.