It seems like only the shorter chain length polyphenols gets absorbed well(e.g. gallic acid, can be found in small amounts in Grape Seed Extract). However, the unabsorbed polyphenols does provide some health benefits, but they are limited to the GI tract, especially the colon.
Do they actually work? If they really do, then I would be amazed by its ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier and to bind to collagen to inhibit destruction, along with countless powerful health benefits. I suspected that they effectively cleared my swelling of my sinuses and other swelling/inflammation caused by histamine, but my Grape Seed Extract pills comes with Vitamin C, so its hard to say.
Perhaps its poor absorption does not make a difference; you just have to take larger amounts. I'm not even sure whether it works on humans(when taken orally) in the first place. Most of the studies are not really convincing. I also see alot of animal and in vitro studies.
Does it get absorbed well to exert its powerful health benefits? To what extent? (Its not cheap also.)
