My research is focused on understanding the role of polyphenols in providing the health benefits associated with consuming bioactive-rich plant foods, and understanding the mechanistic basis of these beneficial changes. I am particularly interested in the ability of polyphenols to prevent or reverse the dysregulated metabolism phenotypes associated with the chronic diseases of the 21st century (i.e. dyslipidemia and impaired glycaemia that are associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome). Particular research questions include:

What are the main metabolites of polyphenols resulting from human and microbiota metabolism? What is the role of the gut microbiota in determining the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols? How does the microbiota transform polyphenols into new chemical structures and what is the impact of this on host health?
Which dietary polyphenols, in which foods, and at what doses, effectively ameliorate dysregulated metabolism (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, glycaemia)?
How do polyphenols/metabolites interact with signaling pathways, gene expression, metabolic processes and inflammation processes to prevent or overcome dysregulated metabolism?