Astringent flavanol fires the locus-noradrenergic system, regulating neurobehavior and autonomic nerves
Fujii Y, Taira S, Shinoda K, Yamato Y, Sakata K, Muta O, Osada Y, Ono A, Matsushita T, Azumi M, Shikano H, Abe K, Calabrese V, Osakabe N (2025) Curr Res Food Sci 11:101195 doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101195
Web URL: Read this research on PubMed
Abstract:
Astringency is a characteristic exhibited by only a limited number of polyphenolic compounds which show high electrochemical activity and are susceptible to oxidation at neutral pH conditions like the oral cavity and small intestine. Large-scale intervention studies have demonstrated that the astringent flavanol (FLs) can restore hippocampal-dependent memory. However, due to the low bioavailability of FLs, the mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which FLs acts on the nervous system through the gastrointestinal tract. Following a single gavage dose of FLs to mice, spontaneous motor activity in the open field and improved short-term memory in the novel object test were enhanced. Concurrently, activation of stress response systems, such as the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis (increased urinary catecholamines) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (increased corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in paraventricular nucleus) was also observed. By the Mass imaging and in situ hybridization analyses, high-intensity noradrenaline (NA) originating from the locus coeruleus (LC) was revealed in the hypothalamus and brainstem immediately after FLs administration. These changes of NA have been suggested as the cause of enhanced memory, arousal and sympathetic activity. Furthermore, increased NA in the nucleus accumbens was observed as a response to visceral sensations induced by oral FLs administration. The present findings highlight how astringent stimulants FLs may activate brain function and the autonomic nervous system via gastrointestinal stimulation, causing physiological changes. These insights suggest that the sensory properties of food are important for maintaining homeostasis and promoting human health.FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Read the related news article:
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
Newsletter Signup
Useful Links
Contact Us
FAB Research
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA
Important Notice
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.
Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2026 © All Rights Reserved.