Health & Well-Being A-Z

Apple Polyphenols

Description

Apple polyphenols are chemicals found in apples.

Apple polyphenols are used for obesity, hay fever, high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Early research shows that applying an apple polyphenol product to the scalp can increase hair growth in some men with male-pattern baldness.
  • Hay fever. Early research shows that drinking a drink with apple polyphenols reduces runny nose in people with hay fever. Other early research shows that taking apple polyphenol once daily for 12 weeks, starting about 2 weeks before cedar pollen season, can reduce sneezing in patients with a specific form of hay fever called Japanese cedar pollinosis.
  • Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking apple and grape polyphenols can allow athletes to exercise for a little bit longer before getting tired.
  • High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Early research shows that eating apples with more polyphenols does not affect cholesterol levels compared to eating apples with low polyphenols. But not all research agrees.
  • High blood pressure. Early research shows that taking apple polyphenols does not seem to improve blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
  • Obesity. Early research shows that drinking a beverage with apple polyphenols can reduce the amount of body fat in adults who are overweight or obese.

Is it Safe?

Action

Apple polyphenols are antioxidants. Apple polyphenols also seem to block fat and cholesterol from entering the body and slow the production of fat and cholesterol. This may allow them to lower cholesterol and help with weight loss.

Safety

When taken by mouth: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken short-term. Taking apple polyphenols might cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if apple polyphenols are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Drug interactions

Insulin

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking apple polyphenols before a meal might cause blood glucose levels to rise more slowly after a meal. Using insulin before a meal also lowers blood glucose levels after a meal. Taking apple polyphenol extract along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The timing of your insulin dose might need to be changed.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of apple polyphenols depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for apple polyphenols. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Phlorizin, Phloretin.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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