Recent advances in polyphenols improving vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by endogenous toxicity.

Endothelial dysfunction is the early marker and precursor for the development of a series of vascular disease. Epidemiologic and experimental evidences have suggested that regular consumptions of polyphenol rich extracts or individual phenolic compounds both improve endothelial function. The present review concludes the recent advances in the protective effects of polyphenol-rich extracts and individual phenolic compounds on the endothelial function. The vascular protective benefits of polyphenol have been well established with so many in vitro and in vivo studies. The mechanisms underlying the protection actions have also been elucidated much. Further studies may lay efforts on understanding the controversies among results from different assays, exploring deeper and more comprehensive mechanisms, elaborating the structure-activity relationship, and improving the safety evaluation research.