Natural phenolic compounds as anti-obesity and anti-cardiovascular disease agent

Increasing interest has been focused on the antioxidant and anti-obesity effects of natural phenolic compounds (NPC). Based on generally used methodologies for the research of NPC anti-obesity effects including in vitro studies, in silico, cell models, animal model studies, and clinical research, the available scientific evidence has been summarized. The anti-obesity effect of NPC is a synergetic outcome of a series of mechanisms which can be classified in four main categories: (1) Inhibition of lipid absorption by binding bile salts and pancreatic lipase in digestion stage primarily in the duodenum, which results in fecal lipid excretion; (2) 'prebiotic-like' effect positively altering Gut microbes to enhance gut barrier function; (3) a series of anti-inflammation and modulation of fat metabolism in the cell; (4) Anti-atherosclerosis and suppression of plasma total triacylglycerol (TG) level through binding red blood cell (RBCs) and lipoproteins, and modulation of and HDL/LDL ratio link to atherosclerotic plaque in the cardiovascular system.