Role of phenolic acid, tannins, stilbenes, lignans and flavonoids in human health – a review

Abstract

Phytonutrients such as phenolics play important roles in health and well-being. The main phenolic compounds include phenolic acid, tannins, stilbenes, lignans and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds in plants distributed in the tissues, cell walls and subcellular compartments have biological activities, including antioxidant, chemopreventive, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and immunomodulatory properties. Citrus fruits, herbs and cereals are a few examples of flavonoid sources with biological functions. This article reviews recent findings in some common groups of phenolics and their role beneficial to human effects. Regular consumption of various plant sources which possess phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, lignans and flavonoids can reduce oxidative stress, cancer, cardiovascular disease and slow the progression of memory loss.

Exploring membrane vesicles in citrus fruits: a comparative analysis of conventional and organic farming approaches

“…lemon) as a result of its bioactive compounds is beneficial to human health because it stimulates specific metabolic activities that protect tissues and fluids from damage associated with reactive oxygen species, thus maintaining cell structure and functions and inhibiting lipid peroxidation 79 . Moreover, antioxidant activity is considered to trigger other biological functions such as anti‐inflammation or anti‐cancer activities 80 …”

Regenerative food innovation delivering foods for the future: a viewpoint on how science and technology can aid food sustainability and nutritional well‐being in the food industry

“…This nexus between food ingredients and optimisation of human health was further illustrated by Oluwole et al (2022) who showed that phytonutrients such as plant phenolics play important roles in health and well-being. Leichtweis et al (2021) explored the potential of using bioresidues from the food industry to enhance nutritional properties of foods.…”

“…This nexus between food ingredients and optimisation of human health was further illustrated by Oluwole et al . (2022) who showed that phytonutrients such as plant phenolics play important roles in health and well‐being. Leichtweis et al .…”

Synthesis of Hydroxylated Stilbenes in a Batch and Flow Reactor: An Overview

“…[1,4] In addition to prevention, interest is also focused on the study of new compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes and have pharmacological properties. [5] Hydroxylated stilbenes are compounds that seem to have both antioxidant and pharmacological properties, which means that they can be useful not only in prevention but also in therapy. [6] Considering this, but also the fact that these compounds are found in nature in at least 72 plant species, it is not surprising that hydroxylated stilbenes are increasingly studied.…”

“…Therefore, more and more people tend to live healthier by adjusting their diet and consuming many antioxidants that help prevent oxidative damage [1,4] . In addition to prevention, interest is also focused on the study of new compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes and have pharmacological properties [5] . Hydroxylated stilbenes are compounds that seem to have both antioxidant and pharmacological properties, which means that they can be useful not only in prevention but also in therapy [6] .…”