The Efficacy of Administering Fruit-Derived Polyphenols to Improve Health Biomarkers, Exercise Performance and Related Physiological Responses

Abstract

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites involved in a myriad of critical processes in plants. Over recent decades, special attention has been paid to the anti-oxidative role of fruit-derived polyphenols in the human diet, with evidence supporting the contribution of polyphenols in the prevention of numerous non-communicable disease outcomes. However, due to the low concentration in biological fluids in vivo, the antioxidant properties of polyphenols seem to be related to an enhanced endogenous antioxidant capacity induced via signaling through the nuclear respiratory factor 2 pathway. Polyphenols also seem to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and have been shown to enhance vascular function via nitric oxide mediated mechanisms. Consequently, there is rationale to support fruit-derived polyphenol supplementation to enhance exercise performance, possibly via improved muscle perfusion. Fruit-derived polyphenol supplementation in exercise studies have included a variety of fruits, e.g., New Zealand blackcurrant, pomegranate, and cherry, in the form of extracts (multicomponent or purified), juices and infusions to varying degrees of benefit. For example, research has yet to link the health-related benefits of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) ingestion to exercise performance in spite of the purported health benefits associated with black elderberry provision in vitro and in vivo models, which has been attributed to their high antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content. This review summarizes the existing evidence supporting a beneficial effect of fruit-derived polyphenols on various biological processes and outlines the potential for black elderberry ingestion to improve nitric oxide production, exercise performance, and the associated physiological responses before-, during- and post-exercise.

The Role of Circulating Lycopene in Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…A wealth of epidemiological evidence indicates that diets rich in plant products (grains, fruits and vegetables) contribute to overall health [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 99 , 100 ]. It is not clear whether this health-promoting effect is mainly attributable to the antioxidants in these plant products.…”

“…Diets with a high proportion of fruits and vegetables seem to have a particularly positive effect on nutritional status as well as different non-communicable diseases, such as heart diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes type II. As most non-communicable diseases are partially affected by inflammation, more research is being conducted on potential anti-inflammatory substances derived from fruits and vegetables [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Low grade inflammation is involved in the progression of many non-communicable diseases, but also seems to affect apparently healthy people as a consequence of smoking, stress, or alcohol consumption [ 8 ]. A wealth of epidemiological evidence indicates that overall health is strongly influenced by diets with a high proportion of fruits and vegetables [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 13 , 14 ]. Phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory activity present in fruits and vegetables are believed to be largely responsible for overall health.…”

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cherry Extract: Nanosystems-Based Strategies to Improve Endothelial Function and Intestinal Absorption

“…In particular, cherry extracts (CE) have a high content in phenols that reflects their nutraceutical potential, which could prevent chronic diseases [52]. Anthocyanins, the water-soluble subclass of flavonoids, are the ones responsible for the red color of cherry fruit and for the major part of CE vasoprotective properties [61], e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and vasodilatory action in vitro [62]. The antioxidant ability and the protective effect against oxidative stress of CE phenols have been investigated and demonstrated mainly by in vivo studies [48].…”

Anthocyanin Intake and Physical Activity: Associations with the Lipid Profile of a US Working Population

“…Anthocyanins have also been associated with nitric oxide production, exercise performance, and physiological responses before, during, and post-exercise, suggesting their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoactive properties improve fitness performance [ 9 , 10 ]. Understanding the intercorrelation and combined effect of dietary bioactive components, such as anthocyanins, with physical activity on CVD risk parameters may contribute towards better prevention and treatment of CVD in high-risk populations.…”