Abstract
Polyphenols are ubiquitously present in various foods and have been reported to elicit a plethora of physiological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory actions. Interestingly, their efficacy is strongly influenced by the conditions under which they are ingested. Recent studies have identified “consumption timing” as a critical determinant of efficacy. The absorption of anthocyanin glycosides occurs through intestinal glucose transporters, such as SGLT1 and GLUT2. The bioavailability of anthocyanin glycosides might be modulated by circadian rhythms, which regulate the expression of these transporters. Indeed, rodent studies have demonstrated that administration at the onset of the active phase results in higher and more sustained plasma concentrations compared with intake at onset of the inactive phase. Furthermore, certain polyphenols, including nobiletin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and proanthocyanidins, have been reported to regulate peripheral clocks, either directly or indirectly, via the BMAL1 pathways. Consequently, polyphenols manifest a dualistic character, functioning not only as “affected by the circadian clock” but also as “regulators of the circadian system.” This review discusses the interplay among consumption timing, bioavailability, and clock gene regulation, and explores the potential of polyphenols as a novel nutritional strategy for disease prevention and healthy lifespan extension.
