Polyphenols are a group of micronutrients that are abundant in plant-based foods and play a significant role in the prevention of degenerative diseases, such as cancer, according to research by scientists at Unite des Maladies Metaboliques et Micronutriments in Saint-Genes Champanelle, France and published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in May 2004. Polyphenols, such as gallic acid, may also inhibit viral growth and prevent viral diseases. Consult your doctor about polyphenols and viruses.
Influenza
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, including your nose, throat and lungs, and can cause death. Each year tens of thousands of people in the United States die as a result of influenza. Pomegranates contain high concentrations of polyphenols that have antiviral activity that can protect you from influenza virus. Research by scientists at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville published in "Antiviral Research" in October 2010 found that pomegranate polyphenols have anti-influenza viral properties.
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis B virus causes irritation and inflammation of the liver due to infection. Although many people can recover within six months, chronic hepatitis B infection increases your risk for liver diseases that include cirrhosis and cancer. Plus you can transmit the virus to other people, even when you do not experience symptoms. Drinking green tea can be an effective treatment for hepatitis B virus. Research by scientists at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China published in the "Journal of Huazhong University of Science Technology Medical Science" in April 2009 discovered that tea polyphenols possess potential anti-hepatitis B virus properties and may be used to treat the hepatitis B viral infection.
Epstein-Barr Virus
Epstein-Barr virus is a common type of herpes virus that infects as many as 95 percent of adults between 35 and 40 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many people can carry a dormant strain of the virus their entire life. Nonetheless, if you become infected, no specific viral drugs are available for treatment. Ferulic acid found in asparagus and gallic acid found in blueberries are two types of polyphenols that may inhibit the virus. Research by scientists at the Industrial Technology Center of Wakayama Prefecture in Wakayama, Japan published in "Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry" in April 2002 discovered that ferulic acid and gallic acid inhibit the activation and growth of the Epstein-Barr virus.
Varicella-Zoster Virus
The varicella-zoster virus causes shingles, a viral infection characterized by a painful rash. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that may inhibit growth of the varicella-zoster virus. Research by scientists at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown published in "Antiviral Research" in December 2006 found that resveratrol inhibits replication of the varicella-zoster virus
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Polyphenols: Food Sources and Bioavailability; Claudine Manach et al.; May 2004
- MayoClinic.com; Influenza; August 21 2010
- "Antiviral Research"; Influenza Virus Variation in Susceptibility to Inactivation by Pomegranate Polyphenols Is Determined by Envelope Glycoproteins; Aarthie Sundararajan et al.; Oct. 2010
- National Center For Biotechnology Information; Hepatitis B; November 23, 2010
- "Journal of Huazhong University of Science Technology and Medical Science"; Tea Polyphenols Exerts Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Effects in a Stably HBV-Transfected Cell Line; Pian Ye et. al.; April 2009
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention; Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis; May 16, 2006
