Reciprocal interactions between resveratrol and gut microbiota deepen our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying its health benefits

Publication date: November 2018Source: Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 81Author(s): Liang Shen, Hong-Fang JiAbstractBackgroundResveratrol is a stilbene-based phytochemical, which possesses multiple pharmacological activities. However, the low bioavalibility of resveratrol mystifies its pharmacology.Scope and approachWe discussed the reciprocal interactions of resveratrol with gut microbiota as investigated by in vitro, animal models as well as humans studies.Key findings and conclusionsThe first part described the current in vitro and in vivo evidence concerning the modulative effect of resveratrol on gut microbiota composition, particularly focusing on the involvement of gut microbiota modulation in the anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-atherosclerosis effects of resveratrol. The second part summarized the bioconversion of resveratrol by gut microbiota, and the identification of metabolites along with bacterial species as generators of these metabolites. This may not only help reconcile the bioavailability conundrum of resveratrol, but also provide directions to expedite its medical applications.
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research