Health benefits and future research of phytochemicals: a literature review.

Abstract

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances found in plant foods that originally contribute significantly to the flavor and color of the foods. These substances are usually classified as polyphenols, terpenes, sulfur-containing compounds, nitrogen containing compounds and others. A large amount studies from last decades demonstrated that these substances have played an immeasurable role in physiological regulation, health care and disease prevention through the exerting actions of antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-ageing, anti-virus, anti-cancer, anti-thrombosis, regulating lipid profiles, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, immunity regulation and improving metabolic functions. This paper is intended to review the chemistry and biochemistry of phytochemicals as related to classification, chemical structure, their occurrence and biosynthesis in plants, and the biological activities and implications in human health and various diseases. The discussions are focused on important and most recent advances in the above aspects. Furthermore, some future research directions of phytochemicals are set forth in the aspects of the dose-response, the mechanism and targets, the interactions with gut microbiota, the impact on human health and different stages of chronic diseases.