A recently published study in Nutrition Research and Practice (Nutr Res Pract 2010;4(3):203-207) has verified the anti-inflammatory effects in humans of Oligonol® lychee fruit polyphenol. The study examined Oligonol intake on cortisol and related cytokines in healthy young men. Both cortisol and cytokine concentrations are inflammatory markers known to increase when stress such as exercise is caused on the body. This study showed that oral intake of Oligonol had a significant effect on inhibiting cortisol and key inflammatory markers.
"Although a number of studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Oligonol, this is the first published trial in humans that confirms a important role for Oligonol as an anti-inflammatory agent," said Dr. Dan Kenner, a leading writer and consultant in alternative health care.
The study investigated Oligonol intake on cortisol, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 concentrations at rest and after physical exercise in nineteen healthy, sedentary males. Each individual received water with 100 mg of Oligonol twice daily or a placebo for four weeks. The body composition, the white blood cell and differential counts as well as the serum cortisol, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 concentration were measured before and after Oligonol intake. The results showed that intake of Oligonol significantly decreased levels of cortisol and serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 compared to before treatment.
Initiated four weeks prior in the first phase of the study, the individuals did not exercise but received the same dose of Oligonol or placebo. Although not as significant, the results also demonstrated a reduction of the stress hormones cortisol and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and IL-6).
"Flavanols from polyphenols are one of the most exciting and important topics in nutrition research in 2011, and results from this study provide further suggestions about the potential value of flavanol supplementation for health and human performance," said Dr. Robert Hackman, research professor at the University of California.
Oligonol is a unique, proprietary form of lychee fruit extract with significantly improved bioavailability due to its low-molecular weight polyphenols. With a polyphenol concentration second only to strawberry, lychee fruit is a potent antioxidant that has proven beneficial for a number of health conditions. Clinical studies with Oligonol have demonstrated benefits for skin health through improving blood flow to the subdermal layer protecting it from damage caused by UV light and free radicals. Other studies with Oligonol have shown improved cardiovascular function, reduction of visceral fat as well as reduction of exercise fatigue. Oligonol has been successfully marketed in Japan as a functional ingredient for supplements, cosmetics and food. Oligonol has been accepted as a "New Dietary Ingredient" by the FDA, received the prestigious Nutracon award as the Top Evidence-based New Ingredient of 2008 and has attained self-affirmed GRAS status.
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