The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Potential Benefits of Plant Metabolites for Human Health


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1 National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai Osmania, Hyderabad-500 007, India
     

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Plant metabolites comprise of multiple and wide range of components such as nutrients, anti-nutrients, bioactive components and antioxidants. Various food sources such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and tea are considered as rich source of these functional plant metabolites. Some of these are essential for normal physiology to maintain growth and health while some are functional components that have the potential to alter the metabolism. Phytonutrients, in addition are also constituted by inorganic minerals. These factors have potential in improving human health by alleviating the negative effect of certain chronic diseases and ageing. Certain components derived from fruits and vegetables are even considered to reduce the risk of cancer, protective for genome, immune enhancement and detoxification. Among various plant metabolites, polyphenols primarily function as free radical scavengers, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-mutagenic and have preventive role in cancer and cardiovascular disease as well as atherosclerosis development. In vitro and in vivo studies showed their beneficial effects on neurodegeneration also. Epidemiological studies also observed polyphenol mediated reduction in risk of cognitive impairment. Carotenoids are also shown to offer protection against neurodegeneration, retinal damage, sunburn and cognitive decline. Phytosterols are known to be associated with reduction in risk of coronary diseases. Saponins are shown to have antagonist activity against toxin activity in in vivo models. On the other hand natural isothiocyanates and their metabolites have been found to inhibit the development of chemically-induced cancers in different organs in a variety of animal models. Among phytochemicals, organosulfur compounds have shown potential for their anti-cancer properties. There seems to be a tremendous scope for research into the molecular properties of these plant metabolites as well as physiological/molecular mechanisms in promoting health as well as disease alleviation. Credible information pertaining to their dosage also seems to be scanty.

Keywords

Anti-Oxidants. Anti-Nutrients, Phytonutrients, Phytochemicals, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Chronic Degenerative Diseases, Bioactive Components, Therapeutics.
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  • Potential Benefits of Plant Metabolites for Human Health

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Authors

K. Bhaskarachary
National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai Osmania, Hyderabad-500 007, India
N. Naveena
National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai Osmania, Hyderabad-500 007, India
Kalpagam Polasa
National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai Osmania, Hyderabad-500 007, India

Abstract


Plant metabolites comprise of multiple and wide range of components such as nutrients, anti-nutrients, bioactive components and antioxidants. Various food sources such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and tea are considered as rich source of these functional plant metabolites. Some of these are essential for normal physiology to maintain growth and health while some are functional components that have the potential to alter the metabolism. Phytonutrients, in addition are also constituted by inorganic minerals. These factors have potential in improving human health by alleviating the negative effect of certain chronic diseases and ageing. Certain components derived from fruits and vegetables are even considered to reduce the risk of cancer, protective for genome, immune enhancement and detoxification. Among various plant metabolites, polyphenols primarily function as free radical scavengers, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-mutagenic and have preventive role in cancer and cardiovascular disease as well as atherosclerosis development. In vitro and in vivo studies showed their beneficial effects on neurodegeneration also. Epidemiological studies also observed polyphenol mediated reduction in risk of cognitive impairment. Carotenoids are also shown to offer protection against neurodegeneration, retinal damage, sunburn and cognitive decline. Phytosterols are known to be associated with reduction in risk of coronary diseases. Saponins are shown to have antagonist activity against toxin activity in in vivo models. On the other hand natural isothiocyanates and their metabolites have been found to inhibit the development of chemically-induced cancers in different organs in a variety of animal models. Among phytochemicals, organosulfur compounds have shown potential for their anti-cancer properties. There seems to be a tremendous scope for research into the molecular properties of these plant metabolites as well as physiological/molecular mechanisms in promoting health as well as disease alleviation. Credible information pertaining to their dosage also seems to be scanty.

Keywords


Anti-Oxidants. Anti-Nutrients, Phytonutrients, Phytochemicals, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Chronic Degenerative Diseases, Bioactive Components, Therapeutics.

References