Ways to enhance the bioavailability of polyphenols in the brain: A journey through the blood-brain barrier

ABSTRACT

Bioactive molecules such as polyphenols were identified to play crucial roles in preventing the central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In addition to the poor stability, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), may act as an obstacle for the transport of polyphenols. To improve the bioavailability of polyphenols, nano-encapsulation by polymeric nanoparticles or liposomes was used to improve the bioavailability. Furthermore, to achieve targeted delivery, polyphenols have been conjugated with receptors indirectly to improve the polyphenol delivery through BBB. Roles of polyphenols in preventing CNS disease and the related measures were discussed in this review, which will pave the way for the application of bioactive molecules or drugs in the future.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyphenols
• bioavailability
• blood-brain barrier
• central nervous system disease

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81703208), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health (20181023).

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [81703208].