%0 Journal Article
%@ 2072-6643
%A Godos, Justyna
%A Romano, Giovanni Luca
%A Laudani, Samuele
%A Gozzo, Lucia
%A Guerrera, Ida
%A Dominguez Azpíroz, Irma
%A Martínez Díaz, Raquel
%A Quiles, José L.
%A Battino, Maurizio
%A Drago, Filippo
%A Giampieri, Francesca
%A Galvano, Fabio
%A Grosso, Giuseppe
%D 2024
%F unic:14366
%J Nutrients
%K flavan-3-ols; polyphenols; inflammation; vascular; gut microbiota
%N 15
%P 2471
%T Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action
%U http://repositorio.unic.co.ao/id/eprint/14366/
%V 16
%X Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. A healthy diet rich in plant-derived compounds such as (poly)phenols appears to have a key role in improving cardiovascular health. Flavan-3-ols represent a subclass of (poly)phenols of great interest for their possible health benefits. In this review, we summarized the results of clinical studies on vascular outcomes of flavan-3-ol supplementation and we focused on the role of the microbiota in CVD. Clinical trials included in this review showed that supplementation with flavan-3-ols mostly derived from cocoa products significantly reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function. Studies on catechins from green tea demonstrated better results when involving healthy individuals. From a mechanistic point of view, emerging evidence suggests that microbial metabolites may play a role in the observed effects. Their function extends beyond the previous belief of ROS scavenging activity and encompasses a direct impact on gene expression and protein function. Although flavan-3-ols appear to have effects on cardiovascular health, further studies are needed to clarify and confirm these potential benefits and the rising evidence of the potential involvement of the microbiota.