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Cocoa: antioxidant and immunomodulator.

Emma Ramiro-Puig¹, Margarida Castell

¹Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n 08028, Barcelona, Spain.

The British Journal of Nutrition

|January 8, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cocoa consumption, rich in flavonoids, modulates immune responses. Studies show cocoa intake influences T helper 1 (Th1) responses and lymphocyte counts, suggesting potential immunomodulatory benefits.

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Area of Science:

Nutritional Immunology
Food Science

Background:

Cocoa consumption is ancient, with current interest driven by antioxidant flavonoids like epicatechin.
Emerging research indicates cocoa influences immune cells involved in innate and acquired immunity.
Cocoa demonstrates regulatory activity on inflammatory mediator secretion from leukocytes in vitro.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of long-term cocoa intake.
To explore cocoa's impact on both intestinal and systemic immune functions.
To understand how cocoa affects specific immune responses like T helper 1 (Th1) and antibody production.

Main Methods:

In vivo studies involving long-term cocoa intake in rats.
Analysis of immune cell counts, including intestinal gammadelta T lymphocytes.
Assessment of T helper 1 (Th1) response and antibody-secreting cell activity.

Main Results:

Long-term, high-dose cocoa intake in young rats promoted a T helper 1 (Th1) immune response.
Increased intestinal gammadelta T lymphocyte counts were observed with cocoa consumption.
A decrease in antibody-secreting cell response was noted in rats with high cocoa intake.

Conclusions:

Cocoa consumption exhibits immunomodulatory effects, influencing both innate and acquired immunity.
Flavonoids in cocoa may impact immune cell signaling and gene expression via redox-sensitive pathways.
Further investigation into the mechanisms of cocoa's immune-modulating activity is warranted.