Polyphenols

Polyphenols are one of the three main groups of secondary plant compounds and are known for their valuable properties. Phenols, or phenolic compounds, are characterised by a special chemical ring structure. Flavones, flavonoids, tannins, lignins and anthocyanins belong to these polyphenols. While tannins serve, for example, a defensive function, flavonoids and anthocyanins have colouring or strongly antioxidant properties. This means they are excellent radical scavengers.

In animal feeding, green fodder has the highest polyphenol content, while maize or maize silage has the lowest. Increased amounts of polyphenols are also found in, for example, chokeberries, grape marc, marigolds, chamomile, etc.