Nutraceutical: Cocoa

Indication: Inflammation

Source: Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, August, 2011;[Epub ahead of print].

Research: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between high-polyphenol intake and reduced incidence of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute cocoa consumption in different matrices related to the bioavailability of cocoa-polyphenols in NF-kB activation and the expression of adhesion molecules (AM). Eighteen healthy volunteers randomly received 3 interventions: 40 grams of cocoa powder with milk (CM), with water (CW) and only milk (M). NF-kB activation in leukocytes and AM (sICAM, sVCAM, E-selectin) were measured before and 6 hours after each intervention.

Results: Consumption of CW significantly decreased NF-kB activation compared to baseline and to CM, did not change after CM intervention, and significantly increased after M intervention. sICAM-1 concentrations significantly decreased after 6 hours of CW and CM interventions and E-selectin only decreased after CW intervention. No significant changes were observed in sVCAM-1 concentrations. The anti-inflammatory effect of cocoa intake may depend on the bioavailability of bioactive compounds and may be mediated at least in part by the modulation of NG-kB activation and downstream molecules reinforcing the link between cocoa intake and health.