About this Research Topic

Background

Gut microbiota exerts a pivotal role in human health. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that gut microbiota plays a crucial physiological role in the etiology of metabolic syndromes (e.g., obesity and diabetes), various gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and peptic ulcer), and various neurological disorders (e.g., autism and multiple sclerosis). Therefore, the component and functions of gut microbiota affect the complete wellness of the human body. Personalized dietary and medicinal techniques targeting the gut microbiota may provide a new avenue for human health.
Polyphenols are the bioactive components in our diet that are common in most plant species. They are found in a series of foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, cereals, coffee, and wine. Polyphenols accumulate in the large intestine after being unabsorbed in the small intestine, where they influence the component and function of the gut microbiota through a variety of interactions. In turn, polyphenols are extensively metabolized by microbial enzymes in the gut microbiota, resulting in the creation of a variety of bioactive metabolites that are easily absorbed and beneficial to health. However, many aspects of polyphenol-gut interactions remain unclear. the exact identity of the health-beneficial polyphenolic microbial metabolites and host-derived conjugates has not been elucidated. Further studies are needed to evaluate individual responses and the underlying mechanisms of polyphenolic effects on gut protection and human health.

This Research Topic will feature a collection of original research publications and reviews of scientific literature that highlights the role of dietary polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods in gut microbiota and gut microbiota-related human health. We welcome studies on the following subtopics, but not limited to:
· Interactions between dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota.
· The discovery of specific bacteria, especially new probiotics regulated by dietary polyphenols.
· The microbial metabolites of gut microbiota regulated by dietary polyphenols, such as short-chain fatty acid, bile acids, branched-chain amino acids, and aromatic amino acids, and their roles in human health.
· The metabolites of dietary polyphenols by gut microbiota and their roles in human health.
· Chemical or physical manipulation enhances solubility, transport, gut delivery, and bioactivity of dietary polyphenols.
· Human studies on polyphenols and polyphenol-rich diets, particularly randomized controlled trials.

Keywords: Gut microbiota, gastrointestinal disorders, bioactive components, microbial metabolites

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