Dietary polyphenols are recognized as crucial modulators of gastrointestinal motility, holding therapeutic promise for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, postoperative ileus, and functional dyspepsia. However, their reported effects are heterogeneous, ranging from spasmolytic to prokinetic. This review aims to clarify these inconsistencies by synthesizing experimental evidence on structure–activity relationships and underlying mechanisms. Relevant publications were identified in PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to polyphenols and gastrointestinal motility. References were selected for relevance, and the narrative review integrates findings from in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies. Across various experimental models, polyphenols function as multi-target modulators of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The primary mechanisms identified involve the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type Ca²⁺ channels, activation of K⁺ channels (BK, K_ATP), and modulation of the NO/cGMP and cAMP/PKA pathways. Flavones and multiple flavonols consistently demonstrate spasmolytic activity via Ca²⁺ channel antagonism. In contrast, flavanones engage BK and K_ATP channels to induce membrane hyperpolarization. Complex extracts from plants like ginger and turmeric exhibit mixed pro- or antimotility effects, reflecting the diverse profiles of their constituent compounds. While robust ex vivo pharmacology and some in vivo and human data exist, a high degree of dataset heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting impedes direct translational efforts. Polyphenols are promising multi-mechanistic modulators of gastrointestinal motility with clear structure–activity patterns. To advance their clinical application, future research must focus on establishing standardized in vivo pharmacokinetics, conducting targeted structure–activity studies, employing bioassay-guided fractionation, and designing rigorous clinical trials.

Phloroglucinol (PHG), an analgesic and spasmolytic drug, shows promise in preventing high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. In Wistar rats, 10 weeks of PHG treatment did not prevent HFD-induced weight gain but significantly mitigated fasting hyperglycemia, impaired insulin responses, and liver steatosis. This protective effect was not linked to hepatic lipogenesis or AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Instead, PHG improved mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing ATP production, and increasing anti-oxidant enzyme activity. PHG also relaxed gastric smooth muscles via potassium channel activation and nitric oxide (NO) signaling, potentially delaying gastric emptying. A pilot intervention in pre-diabetic men confirmed PHG’s efficacy in improving postprandial glycemic control and altering lipid metabolism. These findings suggest PHG as a potential therapeutic for NAFLD and insulin resistance, acting through mechanisms involving mitochondrial protection, anti-oxidant activity, and gastric motility modulation. Further clinical evaluation is warranted to explore PHG’s full therapeutic potential.

Background/Objectives: Dietary polyphenols are recognized as crucial modulators of gastrointestinal motility, holding therapeutic promise for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, postoperative ileus, and functional dyspepsia. However, their reported effects are heterogeneous, ranging from spasmolytic to prokinetic. This review aims to clarify these inconsistencies by synthesizing experimental evidence on structure–activity relationships and underlying mechanisms. Methods: We conducted a structured literature review spanning January 1990 to January 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Our search utilized keywords such as "polyphenols," "flavonoids," "gastrointestinal motility," "smooth muscle," and specific compound names. Results: Across various experimental models, polyphenols function as multi-target modulators of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The primary mechanisms identified involve the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels, activation of K+ channels (BK, KATP), and modulation of the NO/cGMP and cAMP/PKA pathways. Flavones and multiple flavonols consistently demonstrate spasmolytic activity via Ca2+ channel antagonism. In contrast, flavanones engage BK and KATP channels to induce membrane hyperpolarization. Complex extracts from plants like ginger and turmeric exhibit mixed pro- or antimotility effects, reflecting the diverse profiles of their constituent compounds. While robust ex vivo pharmacology and some in vivo and human data exist, a high degree of dataset heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting impedes direct translational efforts. Conclusions: Polyphenols are promising, multi-mechanistic modulators of gastrointestinal motility with clear structure-activity patterns. To advance their clinical application, future research must focus on establishing standardized in vivo pharmacokinetics, conducting targeted structure-activity studies, employing bioassay-guided fractionation, and designing rigorous clinical trials.

Introduction The coronavirus pandemic in Poland required quick responses. After the invention of the Covid-19 vaccine, the main strategic goal became to vaccinate as many Poles as possible in the shortest time. This required the involvement of all medical services, including pharmacists. Qualifications to perform full vaccination services were acquired during courses organized by the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education. Almost 9,000 pharmacists have acquired qualifications for vaccinations, not all of them have decided to provide them in pharmacies. The aim of the study was a preliminary analysis of pharmacists' satisfaction from completed qualification courses to perform the protective vaccination service against Covid-19. Material and methods The study in the form of an online questionnaire was conducted among 403 professionally active pharmacists who completed a qualification course to provide the Covid-19 vaccination service. The questions concerned, among others, the assessment of the content delivery and skills during the course, as well as the usefulness of the content in practice. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results The vast majority of the surveyed pharmacists, regardless of their work experience, were satisfied with the completed qualification courses. Pharmacists with more than 10 years of work experience rated the theoretical part of the course better than their younger colleagues. For the practical part, there were no differences between the groups. The majority of pharmacists assessed the method of transferring practical skills as good or very good and indicated the usefulness of the acquired content and skills in practice. Conclusions The courses organized by the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education turned out to be satisfactory in the opinion of Polish pharmacists. It seems important to look for factors affecting the lack of provision of the Covid-19 vaccination service by some qualified pharmacists