抄録
Despite numerous reports detailing the biological functions of polyphenols, many aspects of their mechanism of action remain to be elucidated, primarily due to their extremely low bioavailability. Recent studies have demonstrated the profound involvement of the gut microbiota in biological functions, such as energy regulation and neuroendocrine functions. Moreover, it has been established that the majority of ingested polyphenols interact with the gut microbiota in the large intestine, thereby affecting their growth and composition. Additionally, polyphenols have been found to be catabolized by the gut microbiota and subsequently absorbed as metabolites. This article provides a concise overview of the antibacterial and prebiotic properties of major polyphenols, elucidating their association with the gut microbiota in the context of biological functions.