Polyphenol Analysis
Introduction
At QIB Extra, we offer advanced polyphenol analysis services tailored to support your research and product development objectives. Leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities and expertise, we provide precise and reliable analysis of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants known for their antioxidant properties. Our services encompass the identification and quantification of various polyphenol classes, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes, among others.
By utilising cutting-edge chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, we ensure accurate detection and measurement of these compounds in diverse samples. Whether you are investigating the health benefits of polyphenols, assessing their presence in food products, or exploring their role in disease prevention, our comprehensive analysis services are designed to meet your specific needs.
Benefits
- Accurate and Sensitive Analysis: Provides reliable quantification of polyphenols, which is crucial for understanding their health benefits.
- Diverse Applications: Supports research across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and human health.
- Advanced Technology: Utilises our state-of-the-art equipment which provides maximum sensitivity, precise identification and quantification.
- Comprehensive Analysis: We can identify and quantify a wide range of polyphenols from different sources.
- Support for Health Research: Aids in studying the role of polyphenols in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress.
- Product Development and Quality Control: Assists in the development and quality assurance of food products, supplements, and extracts containing polyphenols.
Background
Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in a wide range of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and wine. Known for their antioxidant properties, polyphenols help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—an underlying factor in many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Beyond their antioxidant effects, polyphenols influence inflammation, metabolic function, and gut microbiota composition, making them a key focus in both nutritional and biomedical research. Understanding the type, concentration, and biological activity of polyphenols within a sample is critical for assessing the health benefits of foods, supplements, and therapeutic formulations.
At QIB Extra, we apply advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques to deliver precise, sensitive, and reproducible polyphenol data. Our services are designed to support research institutions, food manufacturers, and health-focused product developers in exploring the functional potential of polyphenols.:
The types of polyphenol analysis we provide include:
- Qualitative Analysis: Identifies polyphenols in a sample using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
- Quantitative Analysis: Measures specific polyphenol concentrations, essential for evaluating the content in foods, supplements, or extracts.
- Total Polyphenol Content (TPC) Assays: Provides an overall view of a sample's polyphenolic composition, useful for comparing food sources or processing impacts.
- Targeted Analysis: Focuses on specific polyphenol classes, aiding in bioavailability studies and disease prevention research.
- Metabolite Profiling: Identifies and quantifies metabolites from polyphenol-rich foods, offering insights into bioavailability and health effects.
- Bioactivity Assays: Assesses the biological effects of polyphenols, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Our services support researchers, food manufacturers, and healthcare professionals in understanding polyphenols' role in health and disease, delivering accurate and actionable data to meet specific objectives.
Polyphenol Types
To maximise the value of our polyphenol analysis services, it’s important to understand the different classes of polyphenols we routinely examine. Each group contributes uniquely to biological function and health, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, or microbial effects. Below is an overview of the major polyphenol classes we analyse and their common dietary sources.
Flavonoids
This broad class includes flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanols, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. Flavonoids are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are widely studied for their role in supporting cardiovascular health.
Common sources: Apples, berries, citrus fruits, grapes, onions, kale, broccoli, green and black tea, red wine.
Phenolic Acid
Including hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, these compounds are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. They also contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Common sources: Coffee, apples, berries, citrus, wheat, oats, rice.
Polyphenolic Amides
This group includes compounds like capsaicinoids (found in chilli peppers) and avenanthramides (in oats), noted for their anti-inflammatory and potential cardiovascular benefits.
Common sources: Peppers, oats, potatoes, buckwheat, mustard, cocoa, paprika.
Lignans
Often linked to hormone modulation and cancer prevention, lignans are plant-based compounds with potential oestrogenic activity.
Common sources: Flaxseeds, rye, barley, oats, broccoli, kale, carrots.
Stilbenes
Resveratrol is the most well-known stilbene, primarily found in grapes, red wine, and some berries. It is noted for its potential anti-aging and cardiovascular health benefits.
Common sources: Grapes (especially skins), wine (red), berries (blueberries, cranberries).Tannins
Tannins are astringent polyphenols that influence taste and possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Common sources: Black and green tea, coffee, red wine, pomegranates, grapes, persimmons.
Contact us
To find out how our polyphenol analysis services can support your research or product development, contact the QIB Extra team.
Whether you are evaluating the nutritional content of food products, exploring bioactive health effects, or conducting targeted polyphenol profiling, we’re here to help you develop a tailored, data-driven solution.