Sorghum Phytochemicals and Their Potential Impact on Human Health

Abstract

Sorghum contains a wide array of phytochemicals and their levels are affected by the genotype. Phytochemicals identified in sorghum include phenolic acids, flavonoids, condensed tannins, polycosanols, phytosterols, stilbenes, and phenolamides. Most of these phytochemicals are concentrated in the bran fraction and have been shown to have several potential health benefits, which include antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This chapter gives an overview of sorghum genetics relevant to phytochemicals, phytochemicals identified in sorghum grain, and their potential health benefits.

Keywords: 3-Deoxyanthocyanins; Condensed tannins; Flavonoids; Health benefits; Phenolic acids; Phenolics; Phytochemicals; Sorghum.