The importance of studying cell metabolism when testing the bioactivity of phenolic compounds

The occurrence of newly-formed metabolites in cell experiments seems to be cell type- and compound-specific. Metabolic reactions occurring in cell experimental models may represent a limiting or promoting step to elicit bioactivity. They may be relevant for understanding the molecules and mechanisms responsible for the biological effects of phenolic metabolites. Therefore, the analysis of the cell media/lysates used in bioactivity experiments is a paramount step to fully clarify the real metabolites behind the observed bioactivity. Future in vitro research should take into account the assessment of cellular metabolism of phenolic bioactives.