Responses to a single dose of different polyphenols on the microcirculation and systemic circulation in rats

Numerous studies suggest that the ingestion of polyphenols can potentially confer haemodynamic benefits. The association between different polyphenolic chemical structures and their physiologic effects on systemic haemodynamic variables and microcirculation are less well known. This study investigated the effects of a single 10 mg/kg body weight dose of different polyphenolic compounds on haemodynamic and microcirculatory parameters. Key results from laser Doppler flowmetry showed that flavan-3-ols, theaflavins, and quercetin significantly increased cremaster artery blood flow. Flavan 3-ols, theaflavins, (−)-epicatchin, daidzein, and cyanidin significantly elevated mean blood pressure, and flavan-3-ols significantly increased the heart rate. In contrast, hesperidin, epigallocatechin gallate, trans-resveratrol, gnetin C or curcumin did not result in any detectable changes. Our results suggest that polyphenols can contribute variably to alterations in the haemodynamic and microcirculatory status in rats depending on their characteristic chemical structures.