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Review
. 2011 Jul;23(7):2483-97.
doi: 10.1105/tpc.111.087916. Epub 2011 Jul 29.

Plant science and human nutrition: challenges in assessing health-promoting properties of phytochemicals

Maria H Traka  1 , Richard F Mithen
Affiliations
Review

Plant science and human nutrition: challenges in assessing health-promoting properties of phytochemicals

Maria H Traka et al. Plant Cell. 2011 Jul.

Abstract

The rise in noncommunicable chronic diseases associated with changing diet and lifestyles throughout the world is a major challenge for society. It is possible that certain dietary components within plants have roles both in reducing the incidence and progression of these diseases. We critically review the types of evidence used to support the health promoting activities of certain phytochemicals and plant-based foods and summarize the major contributions but also the limitations of epidemiological and observational studies and research with the use of cell and animal models. We stress the need for human intervention studies to provide high-quality evidence for health benefits of dietary components derived from plants.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Human Metabolism of Quercetin Glycoside. Deglycosylation occurs either within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract or an enterocyte. Within the systemic circulation, only glucuronide and sulfate metabolites are found.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Main Issues Addressed by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies in the Evaluation of Health Claims. [See online article for color version of this figure.]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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