SECONDARY METABOLITES

Jumar G. Cadondon

PHYTOCHEMICALS

chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants (phyto means "plant" in Greek). non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. are nonessential nutrients.

How do phytochemicals work?

Hormonal action

Isoflavones, found in soy, imitate human estrogens and help to reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.

Antioxidant

protect our cells against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Phytochemicals with antioxidant activity: allyl sulfides (onions, leeks, garlic), carotenoids (fruits, carrots), flavonoids (fruits, vegetables), polyphenols (tea, grapes).

Stimulation of enzymes

Indoles, which are found in cabbages, stimulate enzymes that make the estrogen less effective and could reduce the risk for breast cancer. are protease inhibitors (soy and beans), terpenes (citrus fruits and cherries)

Interference with DNA replication

Saponins found in beans interfere with the replication of cell DNA, thereby preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, protects DNA from carcinogens.

Anti-bacterial effect

Destroy or inhibit the bacteria.

Physical action

bind physically to cell walls thereby preventing the adhesion of pathogens to human cell walls. Proanthocyanidins are responsible for the antiadhesion properties of cranberry. Consumption of cranberries will reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and will improve dental health.

FLAVONOIDS

plant pigments for flower coloration producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in petals. protect plants from attacks by microbes, fungi and insects. Flavonols (queratin) helps in modulating healh health effects in animals. low toxicity modify allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. potential to be biological "response modifiers"

Health Benefits of Flavonoids

Anti-allergic Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial (Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Antiviral) Anti-cancer Anti-diarrhea Anti-oxidant

Other Potential Health Benefits

Cancer
Physiological

processing of unwanted flavonoid compounds induces so-called Phase II enzymes that also help to eliminate mutagens and carcinogens, and therefore may be of value in cancer prevention.
like rutin, monoxerutin, diosmin, troxerutin and hidrosmin have potential vasoprotective proprieties

Capillary stabilizing agents

Bioflavonoids

SAPONINS

are glucosides with foaming characteristics. consist of a polycyclic aglycones attached to one or more sugar side chains.

The aglycone part, which is also called sapogenin, is either steroid (C27) or a triterpene (C30).

The foaming ability of saponins is caused by the combination of a hydrophobic (fat-soluble) sapogenin and a hydrophilic (water-soluble) sugar part. have a bitter taste. are toxic and are known as sapotoxin.

Health Benefits of Saponins

Reduce cancer risk

antitumor and anti-mutagenic activities and canlower the risk of human cancers, by preventing cancer cells from growing.
react

with the cholesterol rich membranes of cancer cells, thereby limiting their growth and viability.

help to prevent colon cancer. can cause apoptosis of leukemia cells by inducing mitotic arrest.

Cholesterol reduction

bind with bile salt and cholesterol in the intestinal tract.

Bile

salts form small micelles with cholesterol facilitating its absorption.

cause a reduction of blood cholesterol by preventing its re-absorption.

Immunity booster

fight infections by parasites. help our immune system and to protect against viruses and bacteria.

Reduce bone loss

steroidal saponins
have

a protective role on bone loss.

Antioxidant

non-sugar part of saponins have also a direct antioxidant acitivity

reduced risk of cancer and heart diseases.

ALKALOIDS

compounds containing nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring that are common to about 15 to 20% of all vascular plants. are synthesized by plants from amino acids. bitter taste. Toxicity
help

to repel insects and herbivores.

Health Benefits of Alkaloids

ALKALOID ACTION

Ajmaline
Atropine, scopolamine,hyoscyamine Caffeine

Antiarrhythmic
Anticholinergic Stimulant, diuretic, Adenosine receptor antagonist

Codeine
Colchicine Emetine Ergot alkaloids Morphine Nicotine

Cough medicine, analgesic

Remedy for gout Antiprotozoal agent Sympathomimetic, vasodilator, antihypertensive Analgesic Stimulant, diuretic, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist

Health Benefits of Alkaloids (cont.)

ALKALOID Physostigmine Quinidine Quinine Reserpine Tubocurarine Vinblastine, vincristine Vincamine Yohimbine Antiarrhythmic Antipyretics, Antimalarial Antihypertensive Muscle relaxant Antitumor Vasolidating, antihypertensive Stimulant, Aphrodisiac ACTION Inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase

TANNINS

is an astringent, bitter plant polyphenolic compound binds to and precipitates proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids.

Health Benefits of Tannins

Antiviral Antibacterial Antiparasitic Anti inflammatory Anti ulcer Antioxidant