Phytochemicals are biologically active chemical compounds found in plants that provide health benefits. They have been used in traditional Chinese and herbal medicine for over 5000 years. National Academy of Sciences reports in 1982 and 1989 recommended consuming fruits and vegetables which contain phytochemicals to reduce cancer and heart disease risk. The largest category of phytochemicals is phenolic compounds found in tea, berries, and citrus fruits which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Eating a diet with at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily ensures sufficient intake of beneficial phytochemicals.

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

8. 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.

9. Antioxidant mechanism of phenolic compounds

10. 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.

11. Terpenoids
• Volatile substances
• General formula (C5H8)N
• Sources: carrots, orange peels, pines,
lemons, grapes.
• Activity: anticarcinogenic, antimalarial,
antiulcer, fragrance agents in food and
cosmetics.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.