Phenolics and Polyphenolics

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Science is dedicated to phenolics and polyphenols. Polyphenols are among the most abundant substances produced in plant kingdom comprising numerous diverse classes of secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, stilbenes, lignans.

During the recent decades such compounds have gained an enormous interest in research. Their diverse functions in plants, biosynthesis, biological properties etc. are studied in detail. Besides that the health effects of phenolics and polyphenols are investigated intensively. Numerous representatives of these compounds are e.g. assumed to contribute by different modes of action to the prevention of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. This has stimulated investigations not only on the activites but also on the concentrations of such compounds in all kinds of food and medicinal plants as well as on their intake, absorption, bioavailability and metabolism. Recommendations to ingest of high amounts for preventional purposes have raised the question of toxicity and led to respective studies.

For the use of extracts rich in polyphenols in herbal medicinal products and food supplements, the development of appropriate analytical methods and optimum formulations are important research fields as well.

Nevertheless, there are still apparent gaps in the knowledge concerning phenolics and polyphenols. Besides many others e.g. the full understanding of their role and function in plants at the molecular level or interactions in the environment need further investigation. Thus, this special issue shall help to fill some of the gaps in all above mentioned fields of research.

Liselotte Krenn
Guest Editor