Phenolic compounds and plant extracts as potential natural anti-obesity substances

► Polyphenols and plant extracts inhibited the pancreatic lipase in an enzymatic assay. ► EGCG, quercetin and kaempferol were more potent than the antiobesity drug orlistat. ► Polyphenols were assayed in an in vitro model of simulated intestinal fat digestion. ► In those conditions closer to physiology, resveratrol was an effective inhibitor. ► Dietary polyphenols are valid candidates to obesity prevention.