Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology Student: Dominika Sobolová Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Přemysl Mladěnka, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Title of diploma thesis: Pharmacokinetics of flavanols This work is focusing on summarizing available information about the fate of flavanols in the organism. It is necessary to know the pharmacokinetics to explain their biological effects. In contrast to other flavonoids, they occur in the form of aglycones in plant foods. Galoylation, polymerization and optical isomerism have an important influence on the pharmacokinetics. Partial absorption of monomers begins in the small intestine after oral ingestion. In addition to the liver, the extensive metabolic changes take place even in the enterocytes. The resulting metabolites enter the circulation or they are effluxed back into the intestinal lumen, especially in the case of (epi)catechin sulfates. Epicatechin and catechin are present almost exclusively as glucuronides, sulfates or methylated compounds in the plasma. On the contrary, free unconjugated forms prevail within the gallates. The extent of their absorption is lower. They are excreted via biliary excretion, while other catechins are quickly eliminated by the kidneys in urine. The bioavailability of the parent...