Phytochemicals overview

The above scientific information on rice bran phytochemicals indicates that a multitude of mechanisms are operating at the cellular level to bring about specific health effects. Several health benefits of rice bran appear to be the result of the synergistic function of the many phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which operates through a specific immune response. Their role in the biochemical mechanisms at the cellular level which result in major health effects is shown in Fig. 17.1. A short overview summarizing the effect of the various phytochemicals on major health issues such as cancer, immune function, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, altered liver function and gastrointestinal and colon disease will be given below. 

Some of the bioactive phytochemicals found in fmits and vegetables are polyphenols, including flavonoids. This chapter provides a general overview of the relationship between flavonoids and health. The mechanisms of action believed to be behind the healthful effects of some compounds will also be mentioned. 

Johnson, I. 2003. Phytochemcials and cancer an overview. In Phytochemical Functional Foods (Johnson, L Williamson, G., Eds.). CRC Press, Cambridge, England, pp. 18 4. 

Huang, M.T., Ferraro, T., and Ho, C.T., Cancer chemoprevention by phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables an overview, in Food Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention I. Fruits and Vegetables, Huang, M. T. et ah, Eds., ACS Symposium Series 546, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1994. 

Isolated studies on the chemistry of plants within these belts have been done in the past, and some of which will be discussed below, but at this point in time there is far from sufficient data to have any congruent overview on the overall effects that this vegetational band formation may have on phytochemical behavior or its impact in forest dynamics. 

Tree Nuts Composition, Phytochemicals, and Health Effects An Overview... 

An Overview of Antimicrobial Properties of Different Classes of Phytochemicals... 

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