Abstract
This review covers recent advances in the synthetic labelling and biolabelling of dietary polyphenols over the last 10 years. During this period, the production of labelled flavans and their proanthocyanidin oligomers, isoflavones, lignans and stilbenes such as resveratrol, has received the most attention. Radiolabelled compounds are mostly used for tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies in animals. In parallel, methods for the synthesis of more easily handled compounds labelled with stable isotopes have been extensively developed. The use of both types of labelled compounds in metabolic studies has significantly contributed to the identification of metabolites produced by the intestine, the liver, and/or the colonic microflora.
Keywords: Absorption, Biolabelling, Dietary phenols, Metabolism, Organic synthesis, Radiolabelling, Stable isotopes, Tissue distribution