Phytochemicals

pytochemicals

1. phytochemicals

2. Phytochemicals Phyto + Chemicals = plant + any compound Secondary metabolites Phytochemicals are biologically active, naturally occurring chemical compounds which provide health benefits for humans and protect plants from environmental hazards.

3. History More than 5000 years ago, the Chinese used Phytochemicals as Medicine. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC) introduced Phytochemicals as herbal medicine. In 1982, National Academy Of Sciences report on diet and cancer. In 1989, National Academy Of Sciences report on diet and health recommended consuming 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily for reducing the risk of both cancer and heart diseases.

4. Importance against heart diseases acts as detoxify substances help to prevent DNA damage protect the body from microbial activities  

5. Balance between oxidants and antioxidants Oxidative stress Antioxidants need to be consumed

6. Phenolic compounds Largest category of phytochemicals 1.Flavonoids 2.Phenolic acids 3.Tannins Sources of phenolic compounds: tea, coffee, blueberries, plums, cherries, apples, apple cider vinegar, grapes etc. Activity of phenolic compounds: antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antidepressant activities, production of ink.

7. Antioxidant mechanism of phenolic compounds

8. Alkaloids Heterocyclic containing nitrogen atoms First phytochemicals Vegetable alkalis Activity of alkaloids In human: antihypertensive effects, antiarrhythmic effect, antimalarial activity, anti cancer actions, stimulant property.

9. Terpenoids Volatile substances General formula (C 5 H 8 ) N Sources: carrots, orange peels, pines, lemons, grapes. Activity: anticarcinogenic, antimalarial, antiulcer, fragrance agents in food and cosmetics.

10. Saponins Surfactant Two parts: aglycones and glycosides. Triterpenoid saponins Steroidal saponins Sources: beans and legumes Activity: decrease cholesterol level, anti inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, act as surfactant, flavoring agents

11. Phytochemicals as diet supplements Magic bullet Isolated pure compound may loses bioactivity How do we get enough phytochemicals? Eat more fruits and vegetable. Take daily at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits or vegetable. Reduce the risk of diseases.

12. Conclusion Nature is a unique source of phytochemical with high diversity It is difficult to establish clear functionality and structure activity relationships regarding the effects of phytochemicals in biological systems activity. With the advances in synthetic method and the development of more sophisticated isolation and analytical techniques, many new phytochemicals might be identified.