Abstract
Natural polyphenols are compounds with important biological implications which include antioxidant and metal-chelating characteristics relevant for their antimicrobial, antitumor, or antiaging potential. The mechanisms linking polyphenols and heavy metals in their concerted actions on cells are not completely elucidated. In this study, we used the model eukaryotic microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to detect the action of widely prevalent natural polyphenols on yeast cells defective in the main components involved in essential heavy metal transport across the plasma membrane. We found that caffeic and gallic acids interfered with Zn accumulation, causing delays in cell growth that were alleviated by Zn supplementation. The flavones morin and quercetin interfered with both Mn and Zn accumulation, which resulted in growth improvement, but supplemental Mn and especially Zn turned the initially benefic action of morin and quercetin into potential toxicity. Our results imply that caution is needed when administering food supplements or nutraceuticals which contain both natural polyphenols and essential elements, especially zinc.