Phytochemical Properties of Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs like garlic, alfalfa and St. John 's Wort have been sold as drugs on the commercial market for years. These herbs are often made available as extracts, tinctures, powders, etc. The study of these herbs stemmed from a long-standing desire to discover the chemical properties that make these plants significant suppliers of healthy substances. The phytochemical industry has thrived as patients seek benefits of the alternative application of these potent substances from plants called phytochemicals.

The evolution of plants

• An article by Michael Davidson of Florida State University's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory states that when plants first evolved, there wasn't as much oxygen in the atmosphere as there is now. As time went on, plants were able to acquire new antioxidant compounds from plant metabolism. Plants developed the ability to protect themselves from fungi and bacteria with biochemical defenses which were passed along to evolving animal species who ate the plants.

What are phytochemicals?

• According to phytochemicals.info, there are more than a thousand known preventive chemicals in many plants that ward off diseases. These chemicals are known as phytochemicals. Some of the most commonly known phytochemicals are lycopene, which is associated with tomatoes; flavanoids, which are mostly in fruits; and isoflavones, which are known to be ingredients in most soy products. Plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves from bacteria and other predatorial invaders, but recent research has discovered that plants with phytochemical abilities may also protect humans from illness.

  The types of phytochemicals are numerous, as are their functions. The functions of some phytochemicals include the stimulation and interference of enzymes which make chemicals that attack the body less effective, interrupting DNA replication in cancer cells, and the promotion of antioxidant activity protecting cells against oxidative damage.

Quercetin

• Quercetin is the most common of flavanoids and promotes the improvement of cardiovascular health, inhibits inflammatory mediators and the release of histamine as well as reduces the risk of many types of cancers, including prostate, ovary, colon and breast cancer. Querticin is most often found in apples, cabbage, tea, onions, nuts and berries.

Capsaicin

• Capsaicin is a rather fiery alkaloid which is commonly associated with pepper plants. It may possess the capability to heat up the tongue or skin if touched, but studies show that it holds tremendous benefits. It is even believed that consuming this chemical puts one in a good mood. This is because it encourages the release of endorphins. Conversely, even though one would assume that this phytochemical could be rough on the digestive system, it isn't. In fact, it has been reported that capsaicin soothes the stomach and protects its membrane by causing an increase in blood flow. Also, this phytochemical is used in many skin ointments because it aids receptor cells in sensing heat and relieving pain.

Isothiocyanates

• Isothiocyanates seem to be a cancer-killer, as they can help prevent and lower the risk of many types of cancers. This phytochemical is loaded with sulfur, which gives it a relentless appeal in fighting carcinogens and eliminating them. Isothiocyanates are mostly found in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, kale, turnips, cabbage, radish, watercress and broccoli.

Phytochemicals in foods vs. dietary supplements

• A report on cancer.org states that even though many popular phytochemicals are available to purchase as dietary supplements, evidence suggests that the supplements are not as beneficial in comparison to the phytochemcials that are derived from a food source. Most nutritionists and other health care practitioners have long supported the implementation of a low-fat diet that includes many fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Many cultures have historically maintained lower rates of certain cancers and heart disease by consuming diets rich in the aforementioned foods.

Caution

• Phytochemicals have been known to be beneficial to those who regularly consume them, but there have been some instances where phytochemicals increase the possibility of health complications. Davidson's article cites the possibility that high doses of beta-carotene supplements can lead to the growth of cells associated with lung cancer in male smokers. Other phytochemicals and vitamins might also have the ability to incite such growth under certain circumstances.