Polyphenols, bioactive compounds derived from plants, exhibit significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These compounds interfere with microbial cell structures, modulate host immune responses, and neutralize free radicals, making them promising for maintaining human health and treating related diseases. The review highlights the latest findings on polyphenol biological activities, mechanisms of action, and potential applications in health and disease management. It also discusses the optimization of polyphenol extraction methods to align with sustainable and green processing practices, reducing environmental impact while enhancing food safety and shelf life. Advanced analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy and chromatography, are crucial for accurately evaluating polyphenol content and efficacy. The review emphasizes the need for further research to identify specific polyphenol compounds and their optimal dosages, as well as the synergies between different polyphenols in therapeutic applications. Overall, plant polyphenols have the potential to transform the food industry by improving food safety, traceability, and authenticity, while promoting sustainable processing methods and enhancing food quality assessment.Polyphenols, bioactive compounds derived from plants, exhibit significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These compounds interfere with microbial cell structures, modulate host immune responses, and neutralize free radicals, making them promising for maintaining human health and treating related diseases. The review highlights the latest findings on polyphenol biological activities, mechanisms of action, and potential applications in health and disease management. It also discusses the optimization of polyphenol extraction methods to align with sustainable and green processing practices, reducing environmental impact while enhancing food safety and shelf life. Advanced analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy and chromatography, are crucial for accurately evaluating polyphenol content and efficacy. The review emphasizes the need for further research to identify specific polyphenol compounds and their optimal dosages, as well as the synergies between different polyphenols in therapeutic applications. Overall, plant polyphenols have the potential to transform the food industry by improving food safety, traceability, and authenticity, while promoting sustainable processing methods and enhancing food quality assessment.