B-type procyanidins are found to be one
of the most abundant phenolic compounds found in Areca nuts. (–)-epicatechin is
the most common monomeric unit of procyanidins. These procyanidins are also
present in abundance in Cocoa, apples, grape seeds, and red wine.
These procyanidins have 20 times the
antioxidant capacity of vitamin C and 50 times the antioxidant capacity of
vitamin E. Procyanidins can neutralize the reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Several processes in our body, such as
differentiation, metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis, are maintained in a
normal physiological state by our body’s endogenous antioxidative system. They
keep the system in a state of dynamic redox equilibrium. Excessive production
of reactive nitrogen species and
reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative stress. Accumulation of ROS can
trigger a cascade of reactions that causes direct damage to DNA, lipids, and
proteins, ultimately leading to tissue dysfunction. Aside from that, ROS
accumulation can contribute to the development of diseases, including cancers,
neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
When the ROS level is low, it is
usually advantageous and beneficial for cells and tissues, and normal rate of cell
division, tissue repair, and angiogenesis happens without any interruption. Excessive ROS production disrupts
multiple biomolecules, which can cause membrane damage. Furthermore, it will
inactivate membrane receptors and enzymes, reduce membrane fluidity, increase
membrane permeability to ions, and, in extreme cases, rupture the cell membrane
and cell lysis leading to the cell death. In addition, lipid peroxides, nitric oxides, and
superoxide radicals accumulate in cells and directly damage them by generating
unstable radicals and interfering with natural antioxidant molecules and
enzymes. Thus, high level of ROS causes apoptosis (programmed cell death), cell
damage, DNA mutations, and cell death.
Procyanidin has been shown to prevent
oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and promote DNA repair via various
pathways. Furthermore, it is discovered that procyanidin could
increase the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. One of the primary
functions of antioxidants is to prevent apoptosis and reduce the level of ROS
in cells. Procyanidins effectively does it. Numerous researches have proved the beneficial
effects of consumption of Cocoa, apples, grape seeds, and red wine and their
ability to confer antioxidant property to the body. Procyanidins present in them
is primarily responsible for the same. Interestingly, areca nut is one of the most
abundant sources of procyanidins.
References
1. Osakabe et al., (2023) Hormetic response to B-type procyanidin ingestion involves stress-related neuromodulation via the gut-brain axis: Preclinical and clinical observations, Frontier in Nutrition, DOI 10.3389/fnut.2022.969823.
2. Dasiman et al., (2022) A Review of Procyanidin: Updates on Current Bioactivities and Potential Health Benefits, Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, Vol. 2 (5), pp. 5918 - 5940
