Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: August 15, 2020
Proanthocyanidins of Natural Origin: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications for Lipid Disorder and Aging-Associated
Yu Nie1, Stephen R Stürzenbaum1
1Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Proanthocyanidins are phytonutrients formed by oligomerization or polymerization of subunits catechin, epicatechin, and their gallic acid esters. Proanthocyanidins are a component of many plants and thus form an integral part of the human diet. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins are currently marketed as medicinal products that target vascular disorders and chronic pathological conditions, many of which are age-associated. Proanthocyanidins are also characterized by their effects on energy homeostasis. Not dissimilar to their chemically synthesized counterparts, naturally extracted proanthocyanidins act via inhibition of lipases, stimulation of energy expenditure, or suppression of appetite. Here we review the current knowledge-base and highlight challenges and future impacts regarding involvement of proanthocyanidins in global lipid metabolism, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms and pathological conditions that progress with aging.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Nature and Nurture
Structure of Lipids
What are Lipids?
What is Natural Selection?

