Polyphenols: Distribution, Extraction, Bioactivity, Biotransformation, and Application

INTRODUCTION: Polyphenols are important metabolites with polyphenolic structures, which are important bioactive substances distributed in the fruits, roots, bark, leaves, and other tissues and organs of plants. Polyphenols are widely available and have potential research values. METHODS: The 157 related references of polyphenols were collected in this review, which were from scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, Willy, SpringerLink, SciFinder, Scopus, ACS publications, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and CNKI. RESULTS: Polyphenols were extracted by different extraction methods, and they exhibited antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anti-obesity activities. Moreover, polyphenols were widely applied in industry, food, and medicine fields. The biotransformations of anthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, phenolic acids, tannins, and stilbenes from polyphenols were reviewed in this paper. CONCLUSION: The distribution, extraction, bioactivity, biotransformation, and application of polyphenols were comprehensively summarized and analyzed in this review. It will promote the efficient utilization of polyphenols and provide new ideas for future research.