No — polyphenols are a diverse family of plant compounds with distinct structures and biological actions. If you’re wondering are all polyphenols the same, the answer is clearly no: olive oil phenols like oleocanthal are fat-soluble and act quickly, while pomegranate-derived punicalagins are transformed in the gut into long-acting urolithins ¹.

• Secoiridoids: Found in olive oil (e.g., oleacein, oleocanthal); fast-absorbing and anti-inflammatory
• Ellagitannins: Found in pomegranate (e.g., punicalagins); converted by gut bacteria into urolithins
• Flavonoids: Broad class (e.g., quercetin, catechins); variable absorption depending on structure

So when you ask are all polyphenols the same, remember: structure determines function — and timing, absorption, and benefit vary widely.

• High-phenolic olive oil: Ideal for acute inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular support
• Pomegranate concentrate: Supports mitochondrial repair, microbiome balance, and DNA protection
• For full-spectrum action, combine both — one acts fast, the other builds long-term resilience

When it comes to biofunctionality, not all polyphenols are created equal ².

Polyphenols work differently based on structure and source — the smartest strategy is pairing them to complement each other’s actions.

Tip: Diversity is strength — combine fast-acting and slow-metabolized polyphenols to cover all biological bases.