A Review of the Cognitive Effects Observed in Humans Following Acute Supplementation with Flavonoids, and Their Associated Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in varying concentrations in many plant-based foods. Recent studies suggest that flavonoids can be beneficial to both cognitive and physiological health. Long term flavonoid supplementation over a period of weeks or months has been extensively investigated and reviewed, particularly with respect to cognitive ageing and neurodegenerative disease. Significantly less focus has been directed towards the short term effects of single doses of flavonoids on cognition. Here, we review 21 such studies with particular emphasis on the subclass and dose of flavonoids administered, the cognitive domains affected by flavonoid supplementation, and the effect size of the response. The emerging evidence suggests that flavonoids may be beneficial to attention, working memory, and psychomotor processing speed in a general population. Episodic memory effects are less well defined and may be restricted to child or older adult populations. The evidence also points towards a dose-dependent effect of flavonoids, but the physiological mechanisms of action remain unclear. Overall, there is encouraging evidence that flavonoid supplementation can benefit cognitive outcomes within an acute time frame of 0–6 h. But larger studies, combining cognitive and physiological measures, are needed to strengthen the evidence base.

Dut Yaprağından Elde Edilen Flavonoidler ile Candida Tropicalis’in Buzağılarda Performans ve Besin Sindirilebilirliği Üzerine Etkileri

“…Flavonoids are found in berries, tea, cocoa, soybeans, grains, and plant leaves, are a class of organic polyphenolic compounds [2] . It is through various mechanisms including protection against oxidative stress, and preservation of epithelial barrier function and immunomodulatory properties that flavonoids are used in acute or chronic intestinal inflammation [3] .…”

Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study

“…Extensive research has been carried out on the long term effect of flavonoid supplementation on cognition [39] with less attention on their acute effects. Recently, there has been an increase in the body of evidence on the acute effects of flavonoids on cognitive processes such as attention, working memory and psychomotor speed in a general population [57]. The precise mechanism by which anthocyanins affect cognition is still not clear but seems to be dependent on the exposure period.…”

Understanding the protective effects of wine components and their metabolites in the brain function

“…Several epidemiology studies have suggested that moderate wine intake (250 mL per day) can be beneficial in delaying the onset of cognitive impairments in aging and neurodegenerative diseases [2,3]. In agreement with this, evidences from human randomized controlled trials based on acute supplementations with specific wine compounds reinforce this benefit [4]. Also animal in vivo studies confirmed the profit of moderate wine consumption on cognitive function [5,6].…”