C. Santos-buelga et A. Scalbert, Proanthocyanidins and tannin-like compounds - nature, occurrence, dietary intake and effects on nutrition and health, J SCI FOOD, 80(7), 2000, pp. 1094-1117
Proanthocyanidins (syn condensed tannins) are complex flavonoid polymers na
turally present in cereals, legume seeds and particularly abundant in some
fruits and fruit juices. They share some common structural features-phenoli
c nature and high molecular weight-with phenolic polymers found in black te
a and red wine (called here tannin-like compounds). The polymeric nature of
proanthocyanidins makes their analysis and estimation in food difficult. F
or this reason, little is known about their consumption, although they like
ly contribute a large part of the daily polyphenol intake. They also share
common physicochemical properties: they form stable complexes with metal io
ns and with proteins and are, like other polyphenols, good reducing agents.
Many of their biological effects of nutritional interest derive from these
properties. As metal ion chelators, they influence the bioavailability of
several minerals. The nutritional significance of the non-specific complexa
tion of proteins is less clear. As reducing agents, they may participate in
the prevention of cancers, both of the digestive tract, and inner organs.
They may also protect LDLs against oxidation and inhibit platelet aggregati
on and therefore prevent cardiovascular diseases. In vitro, animal and huma
n studies on the prevention of these chronic diseases are reviewed with par
ticular attention to wine and tea polyphenols. The lack of data on their bi
oavailability and the paucity of human studies are emphasised. (C) 2000 Soc
iety of Chemical Industry.