2026Journal articleFree to read
Akif A, Munami JW, Das R, Shawon NJ
Food science & nutrition
Polyphenols from plant foods (tea, cocoa, berries, grapes, and extra-virgin olive oil) modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular function, and the gut microbiome-axes central to non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) that involve the brain and enteric nervous system (ENS). Recent randomized trials and longitudinal studies report modest but reproducible benefits on cognitive domains and vascular/endothelial function with berry/grape extracts, matcha/green tea, and high-polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil; effects appear stronger in older adults or those with metabolic risk. Complementary evidence in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-a prototypical gut-brain disorder-suggests polyphenol-based combinations (often with probiotics/fiber) can improve quality of life and inflammatory markers, supporting enteric-central crosstalk. Emerging genetics (Mendelian randomization) and multi-omics readouts strengthen causal inferences for tea polyphenols in neurodegeneration-adjacent outcomes and outline mechanistic mediators (endothelial/BBB function, cytokine tone, microbiome-derived metabolites). Key gaps remain: heterogeneous formulations/doses, limited head-to-head trials, sparse target engagement biomarkers, and uncertain durability after discontinuation. We synthesize clinical and mechanistic advances, propose a standardized biomarker set (neurocognitive, endothelial, immune, and microbiome-metabolome), and outline designs for mechanism-anchored RCTs that integrate ENS endpoints with brain outcomes to translate associative signals into precision nutrition strategies for NCCDs.
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Study type
Review
A narrative or scoping review of the literature.
Assigned automatically from the title, abstract and subject terms.
Topics
Matcha is mentioned in passing here (named in the abstract).
Akif A, Munami JW, Das R, Shawon NJ. (2026). Dietary Polyphenols in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: Neuro-Enteric Mechanisms, Multi-Omics Biomarkers and Translational Opportunities. Food science & nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71856
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.71856 · PubMed ID: 42079325 · Cited by 1 (OpenAlex)
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