Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Their use in eczema (atopic dermatitis) is supported by emerging scientific evidence, although much of it is preclinical or based on small human studies. Polyphenols such as flavonoids, catechins (from green tea), resveratrol (from grapes), and curcumin (from turmeric) have been shown in laboratory and animal studies to reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress associated with eczema.

Some small clinical trials and topical preparations have reported improvements in eczema severity and symptoms. For example, topical green tea extracts containing polyphenols have shown some benefit in reducing inflammation and itching. Similarly, oral supplementation with polyphenol-rich foods or extracts has been investigated, with some studies suggesting modest improvements. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of standardized formulations.

Overall, while there is a scientific basis for the potential role of polyphenols in managing eczema due to their anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting effects, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are lacking. Thus, their use is scientifically plausible but not yet robustly validated, with an evidence rating of 2 out of 5.