Plant Compounds Benefit GI Health

In that gastrointestinal (GI) health is linked to health of  the body’s numerous other systems – from cardiovascular to neurological, Netherlands researchers investigated the role of polyphenols from dietary sources on the ecosystem of the gut.  Using an in vitro model of the gut microbiota, the researchers assessed the effects of polyphenols from black tea and red grapes. The team observed that the black tea polyphenols stimulated Klebsiella, enterococci, and Akkermansia microbes; and that red grape extract stimulated Klebsiella, Alistipes, Cloaibacillus, Victivallis, and Akkermansia.  Submitting that: “The study shows that these complex polyphenols in the context of a model system can modulate select members of the human gut microbiota,” the study authors observe that: “Black tea polyphenols have differential effects from red grape polyphenols.”