Increased bioavailability of polyphenols through bacterial metabolism

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated multiple health benefits including anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive effects of dietary polyphenols. These compounds are abundant in plants and have added to the health benefits of many fruits, such as raspberries, pomegranates, and strawberries. As aging population in the U.S. and other developed nations turn their focus from disease treatment to disease prevention, diets high in antioxidants are increasingly sought. Polyphenols, such as ellagic acid which show promise in preventing inflammation and oxidative stress, account for roughly 1.5B of the antioxidant market. While polyphenols demonstrate potent health benefits in in vitro tests, the problems ofpoor absorption and bioavailability, and high inter-individual efficacy have arisen in in vivo trials. It has become clear that the health benefits of these compounds should be linked to microbial metabolites of polyphenols which have greater tissue a