Abstract: Polyphenols, known for their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, are widely used in health foods. While both domestic and international authorities have released numerous separate standards on detection methods for polyphenols, such as tea polyphenols and anthocyanins, a standardized method for detecting the total polyphenol content in health foods is still lacking. This study systematically reviews the extraction, purification and analytical methods for the detection of the total polyphenol content in health foods, proposing that sampling methods should be tailored according to the sample dosage form. The Folin-Ciocalteu method combined with vortex ultrasonic-assisted extraction and purification can effectively detect the total polyphenol content in health foods. Additionally, adding alkali to the extract can convert bound polyphenols into free forms, thereby improving the accuracy of detection. This study provides a theoretical basis for establishing a standardized method for detecting the polyphenol content in health foods, thereby helping enhance the quality control of polyphenol-containing health foods.

Key words: health foods; total polyphenols; vortex; ultrasound-assisted extraction; QuEChERS; Folin-Ciocalteu method; standard