Apple Polyphenols
OTHER NAME(S): Apple Phenolics, Apple Polyphenol Extract, Phloretin, Phlorizin, Polifenoles de la Manzana, Polyphénols de Pomme
Overview
Apple polyphenols are chemicals found in apples.
Apple polyphenols are used for obesity, hay fever, high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Apple polyphenols are antioxidants. Apple polyphenols also seem to block fat and cholesterol from entering the body and slow the production of fat and cholesterol. This may allow them to lower cholesterol and help with weight loss.
Apple polyphenols are antioxidants. Apple polyphenols also seem to block fat and cholesterol from entering the body and slow the production of fat and cholesterol. This may allow them to lower cholesterol and help with weight loss.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Early research shows that applying an apple polyphenol product to the scalp can increase hair growth in some men with male-pattern baldness.
- Hay fever. Early research shows that drinking a drink with apple polyphenols reduces runny nose in people with hay fever. Other early research shows that taking apple polyphenol once daily for 12 weeks, starting about 2 weeks before cedar pollen season, can reduce sneezing in patients with a specific form of hay fever called Japanese cedar pollinosis.
- Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking apple and grape polyphenols can allow athletes to exercise for a little bit longer before getting tired.
- High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Early research shows that eating apples with more polyphenols does not affect cholesterol levels compared to eating apples with low polyphenols. But not all research agrees.
- High blood pressure. Early research shows that taking apple polyphenols does not seem to improve blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
- Obesity. Early research shows that drinking a beverage with apple polyphenols can reduce the amount of body fat in adults who are overweight or obese.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken short-term. Taking apple polyphenols might cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken short-term. Taking apple polyphenols might cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if apple polyphenols are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Insulin interacts with Apple PolyphenolsTaking apple polyphenols before a meal might cause blood glucose levels to rise more slowly after a meal. Using insulin before a meal also lowers blood glucose levels after a meal. Taking apple polyphenol extract along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The timing of your insulin dose might need to be changed.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of apple polyphenols depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for apple polyphenols. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Akazome, Y. Characteristics and physiological functions of polyphenols from apples. Biofactors 2004;22(1-4):311-314.
- Enomoto, T., Nagasako-Akazome, Y., Kanda, T., Ikeda, M., and Dake, Y. Clinical effects of apple polyphenols on persistent allergic rhinitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel arm study. J Investig.Allergol.Clin Immunol. 2006;16(5):283-289.
- Soriano-Maldonado A, Hidalgo M, Arteaga P, de Pascual-Teresa S, Nova E. Effects of regular consumption of vitamin C-rich or polyphenol-rich apple juice on cardiometabolic markers in healthy adults: a randomized crossover trial. Eur J Nutr. 2014 Dec;53(8):1645-57.
- Akazome Y, Kametani N, Kanda T, et al. Evaluation of safety of excessive intake and efficacy of long-term intake of beverages containing apple polyphenols. J Oleo Sci. 2010;59(6):321-38.
- Auclair S, Chironi G, Milenkovic D, et al. The regular consumption of a polyphenol-rich apple does not influence endothelial function: a randomised double-blind trial in hypercholesterolemic adults. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010;64(10):1158-65.
- Cicero AFG, Caliceti C, Fogacci F, et al. Effect of apple polyphenols on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function: a translational study. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017.
- Deley G, Guillemet D, Allaert FA, Babault N. An Acute Dose of Specific Grape and Apple Polyphenols Improves Endurance Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind versus Placebo Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2017;9(8). pii: E917.
- Kamimura A, Takahashi T, Watanabe Y. Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(6):529-36.
- Kishi K, Saito M, Saito T, et al. Clinical efficacy of apple polyphenol for treating cedar pollinosis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005;69(4):829-32.
- Makarova E, Górnas P, Konrade I, et al. Acute anti-hyperglycaemic effects of an unripe apple preparation containing phlorizin in healthy volunteers: a preliminary study. J Sci Food Agric. 2015;95(3):560-8.
- Nagasako-Akazome Y, Kanda T, Ohtake Y, Shimasaki H, Kobayashi T. Apple polyphenols influence cholesterol metabolism in healthy subjects with relatively high body mass index. J Oleo Sci. 2007;56(8):417-28.
- Schulze C, Bangert A, Kottra G, et al. Inhibition of the intestinal sodium-coupled glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) by extracts and polyphenols from apple reduces postprandial blood glucose levels in mice and humans. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014;58(9):1795-808.
- Shoji T, Yamada M, Miura T, et al. Chronic administration of apple polyphenols ameliorates hyperglycaemia in high-normal and borderline subjects: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2017;129:43-51.
- Takahashi T, Kamimura A, Kagoura M, et al. Investigation of the topical application of procyanidin oligomers from apples to identify their potential use as a hair-growing agent. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005;4(4):245-9.
- Tenore GC, Campiglia P, Ritieni A, Novellino E. In vitro bioaccessibility, bioavailability and plasma protein interaction of polyphenols from Annurca apple (M. pumila Miller cv Annurca). Food Chem. 2013;141(4):3519-24.
- Tenore GC, Caruso D, Buonomo G, et al. A Healthy Balance of Plasma Cholesterol by a Novel Annurca Apple-Based Nutraceutical Formulation: Results of a Randomized Trial. J Med Food. 2017;20(3):288-300.
- Wruss J, Lanzerstorfer P, Huemer S, et al. Differences in pharmacokinetics of apple polyphenols after standardized oral consumption of unprocessed apple juice. Nutr J. 2015;14:32.
- Bondonno NP, Bondonno CP, Blekkenhorst LC, et al. Flavonoid-Rich Apple Improves Endothelial Function in Individuals at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62(3).
- Sommella E, Badolati N, Riccio G, et al. A boost in mitochondrial activity underpins the cholesterol-lowering effect of Annurca apple polyphenols on hepatic cells. Nutrients. 2019;11(1). pii: E163.
- Saarenhovi M, Salo P, Scheinin M, et al. The effect of an apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin and flavan-3-ol oligomers on brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatory function in volunteers with elevated blood pressure. Nutr. J 2017;16(1):73.
- Trošt K, Ulaszewska MM, Stanstrup J, et al. Host: Microbiome co-metabolic processing of dietary polyphenols - An acute, single blinded, cross-over study with different doses of apple polyphenols in healthy subjects. Food Res Int. 2018;112:108-28.
- Lee YC, Cheng CW, Lee HJ, Chu HC. Apple polyphenol suppresses indomethacin-induced gastric damage in experimental animals by lowering oxidative stress status and modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. J Med Food. 2017;20(11):1113-20. Erratum in: J Med Food. 2017;20(12):1250.
- Shoji T, Masumoto S, Moriichi N, Ohtake Y, Kanda T. Administration of Apple Polyphenol Supplements for Skin Conditions in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2020;12(4):1071.
- Prpa EJ, Corpe CP, Atkinson B, et al. Apple polyphenol-rich drinks dose-dependently decrease early-phase postprandial glucose concentrations following a high-carbohydrate meal: a randomized controlled trial in healthy adults and in vitro studies. J Nutr Biochem 2020;85:108466.