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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro
Published on: July 5, 2017
The Cardiovascular Effects of Cocoa Polyphenols-An Overview
Ana Clara Aprotosoaie1, Anca Miron2, Adriana Trifan3
1Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa Iasi, Universitatii Str. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania. claraaprotosoaie@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Cocoa is a rich source of high-quality antioxidant polyphenols. They comprise mainly catechins (29%-38% of total polyphenols), anthocyanins (4% of total polyphenols) and proanthocyanidins (58%-65% of total polyphenols). A growing body of experimental and epidemiological evidence highlights that the intake of cocoa polyphenols may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Beyond antioxidant properties, cocoa polyphenols exert blood pressure lowering activity, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, metabolic and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and also improve endothelial function. This paper reviews the role of cocoa polyphenols in cardiovascular protection, with a special focus on mechanisms of action, clinical relevance and correlation between antioxidant activity and cardiovascular health.
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