In vitro and in vivo assessment of polyphenol extracts on cardiovascular indices

Plant polyphenols have been associated with reducing indices of cardiovascular disease such as oxidative stress, insulin resistance and blood pressure.
In-vitro assessment of polyphenol rich mixtures from plant based foods will reveal the mechanisms of their vascular activity. Candidate mixtures will then be assessed for human pharmacokinetics of target components with and without the use of a novel encapsulation technology. This prelimanary work will then be used to undertake a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial to determine the modulatory activity of the chosen polyphenol preparation on clinical parameters of cardiovascular risk; in-particular endothelial function, blood pressure control, insulin resistance parameters and inflammation.
The economic benefit for this technology will be undertaken at the same time to ascertain the feasibility of application to the European Food Safety Authorities for Article 13.5 or Article 14 functional food claim. A successful EFSA claim would increase demand for manufacturing and employment across Europe from 2013.