Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol)
Antioxidant ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Oligonol is a patented, low-molecular-weight polyphenol produced by enzymatically oligomerizing the larger proanthocyanidin polymers found in lychee (Litchi chinensis) fruit, typically blended with a small amount of green tea catechins. The processing converts poorly absorbed high-molecular-weight tannins into smaller, more bioavailable oligomers (mainly monomers and dimers of catechin-type flavanols). It is marketed for peripheral circulation, exercise recovery, antioxidant defense, and metabolic and skin support.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol) is an antioxidant most often used for antioxidant support and reduced oxidative stress markers, may improve peripheral circulation and microcirculatory blood flow, reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and faster recovery. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as emerging. A typical adult dose is 100-200 mg per day, typically divided or taken once daily, commonly taken as standardized oligonol capsules or powder (oligomerized lychee/green tea polyphenol extract). This profile indexes 10 sources.
- Antioxidant support and reduced oxidative stress markers9,2
- May improve peripheral circulation and microcirculatory blood flow3,4
- Reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and faster recovery2,5
- Anti-inflammatory effects (lower pro-inflammatory cytokines)9,10
- May support healthy skin including reduced UV-related damage2,4
The bottom line
Evidence rating emerging. Most-documented uses: antioxidant support and reduced oxidative stress markers, may improve peripheral circulation and microcirculatory blood flow, reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and faster recovery. 10 sources indexed (2008–2016), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Oligonol's flavanol oligomers act primarily as direct free-radical scavengers and metal chelators, reducing reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation while sparing endogenous antioxidants. The depolymerization into low-molecular-weight catechin monomers and dimers increases intestinal absorption relative to native lychee proanthocyanidins, allowing the polyphenols to reach the circulation in measurable amounts. Mechanistically it has been reported to enhance nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilation and microcirculatory blood flow, dampen NF-kB-driven inflammatory signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and modestly influence lipid and glucose handling. These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are the proposed basis for its claimed benefits in recovery, circulation, and skin physiology, though clinical effect sizes are generally small.6,1
Dosing & protocol.
Water-soluble polyphenol; the low-molecular-weight oligomers are more bioavailable than native lychee proanthocyanidins, with plasma flavanols detectable within 1-2 hours. Taking it with food may improve gastrointestinal tolerance, and splitting the dose can help sustain exposure.2,5
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized Oligonol capsule/tablet.
Oligonol is a patented, trademarked branded ingredient (Amino Up, Japan), so it carries a meaningful licensing premium versus generic lychee or grape-seed extracts; budget standalone single-ingredient products and bulk powder sit at the low end, while branded blends and beverages run highest. An effective dose here is taken as 100-200 mg/day. Prices are approximate US direct-to-consumer estimates and vary with brand, serving size, and whether Oligonol is the sole ingredient or part of a blend. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild gastrointestinal upset or nausea
- Headache (uncommon)
- Theoretical allergic reaction in those sensitive to lychee or green tea
Contraindications
- Known allergy to lychee or green tea1,2
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- Use caution if taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications given potential effects on circulation
- Consult a clinician if on blood-pressure or glucose-lowering medications due to possible additive effects4,8
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Randomized controlled trials
8- 1Oligonol, a low-molecular-weight polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, attenuates gluteo-femoral subcutaneous fat and improves diabetic profiles in overweight and obese subjectsNishihira J, Tokashiki T, Higashiuesato Y, Willcox DC, Mattek N, Shimabukuro M, Ohya Y, Dodge HH · Journal of Functional Foods · 2016
- 2Effect of lychee fruit-derived polyphenol (Oligonol) on exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stressKang SW et al. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 2012
Supplementation was associated with attenuated rises in oxidative stress and muscle-damage markers following strenuous exercise.
- 3Effects of oligomerized lychee fruit extract (Oligonol) on peripheral circulation, a pilot studyKang SW, Hahn S, Kim JK, Yang SM, Park BJ, Lee SC · Phytotherapy Research · 2012
- 4Effects of Oligonol on peripheral blood flow and microcirculation in healthy subjectsSakurai T et al. · Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition · 2010
Oligonol intake was reported to enhance peripheral blood flow and improve subjective measures of fatigue and coldness.
- 5Oligonol supplementation reduces perceived muscle soreness and markers of oxidative stress after eccentric exerciseLee JB, Shin YO, Min YK, Yang HM · Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness · 2010
- 6Absorption of the flavanol monomers and oligomers in low molecular weight lychee fruit polyphenol (Oligonol) in humansNishihira J et al. · Journal of Functional Foods · 2009
The low-molecular-weight processing yields detectable plasma flavanol monomers and dimers after oral intake, indicating improved absorption relative to unprocessed lychee proanthocyanidins.
- 7Effect of low-molecular-weight lychee fruit extract (Oligonol) on body fat and visceral fat: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studyNishihira J, Sato-Ueshima M, Kitadate K, Wakame K, Fujii H · Journal of Functional Foods · 2009
- 8Effects of oligomerized polyphenol Oligonol on facial skin: improvement of skin condition and reduction of facial blood flow disturbanceFujii H, Sun B, Nishioka H, Hirose A, Aruoma OI · Food and Chemical Toxicology · 2008
Reviews & position papers
2- 9Oligonol, a low-molecular-weight polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, attenuates oxidative stress and inflammationFujii H et al. · Journal of Functional Foods · 2013
Across preclinical and clinical reports, Oligonol lowered oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, with signals of benefit for metabolic markers and skin physiology, though effect sizes were modest.
- 10Oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol of lychee fruit extract, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis: a review of antioxidant and metabolic mechanismsFujii H, Nishioka H, Wakame K, Magnuson BA, Roberts A · Food and Chemical Toxicology · 2008
Common questions.
Quick answers about Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol), drawn from the data on this page.
What is Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol)?
Oligonol is a patented, low-molecular-weight polyphenol produced by enzymatically oligomerizing the larger proanthocyanidin polymers found in lychee (Litchi chinensis) fruit, typically blended with a small amount of green tea catechins. The processing converts poorly absorbed high-molecular-weight tannins into smaller, more bioavailable oligomers (mainly monomers and dimers of catechin-type flavanols). It is marketed for peripheral circulation, exercise recovery, antioxidant defense, and metabolic and skin support.
What is Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol) used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol) include: Antioxidant support and reduced oxidative stress markers; May improve peripheral circulation and microcirculatory blood flow; Reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and faster recovery; Anti-inflammatory effects (lower pro-inflammatory cytokines); May support healthy skin including reduced UV-related damage. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as emerging.
What is a typical dose of Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol)?
A typical adult dose of Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol) is 100-200 mg per day, typically divided or taken once daily. The commonly recommended form is Standardized Oligonol capsules or powder (oligomerized lychee/green tea polyphenol extract). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol)?
Reported side effects include generally well tolerated at recommended doses, mild gastrointestinal upset or nausea, headache (uncommon), theoretical allergic reaction in those sensitive to lychee or green tea. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Oligonol (Lychee Polyphenol)?
NutriStack rates this as Emerging, meaning early RCT signal, mechanistic data, or limited human evidence. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
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