Bioactive procyanidins from dietary sources: The relationship between bioactivity and polymerization degree

Procyanidins, commonly found in plant natural sources, are polymerized forms of flavanols, which a subclass flavonoids. They have been reported to exhibit broad benefits human health and used the prevention cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc. Bioactivities procyanidins depend on many factors including structures procyanidins. Differences composition monomers degree polymerization (DP) contribute variation The basic sources summarized detail. Importantly, structure-activity relationships procyanidins, especially relationship between degrees their antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective effects as well potential mechanisms reviewed Additionally, current challenges studies discussed. Procyanidins structurally diverse compounds can be classified monomeric, oligomeric, or polymeric variants depending DP, plays role manifesting various that associated with health. diversity complexity these chemical difficulties encountered isolation continue major challenges. A better understanding this information may promote use improving