Phytochemical
Source
Role in plants
Health benefits
Terpenoids
Menthol
Mint plants
Antibacterial and antifungal activity
Aids digestion, reduces pain and irritation,
B-carotene
Carrot, spinach, papaya, mango
Accessory pigments in photosynthesis provides color to plant organs
Source of provitamin A
Taxol (paclitaxel)
Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia)
Protection through antifungal activity against wood-degrading fungi
Blocks cancer cell growth by halting cell division, resulting in cell death
Phytosterols
Campesterol
Nuts, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils
A key precursor to the biosynthesis of plant hormone brassinosteroids
Lowers cholesterol and helps in the prevention of cancer
Stigmasterol
Soybean, rapeseed, rape seed
Stabilizes cell membranes
Precursor to steroid products such as progesterone
Beta-sitostanol
Peanut oil, rice bran, wheat germ, soybean
Stabilizes cell membranes
Lowers cholesterol and inhibits the promotion of cancerous cells
Alkaloids
Caffeine
Coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao pods, guarana plants
Wards off herbivores and pests
Promotes brain activity
Quinine
Cinchona tree
Effective against Plasmodium falciparum(antimalarial activity)
Morphine
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)
Rapidly induces defense system in poppy plant
Relieves pain by acting on Central Nervous System (CNS)
Saponins
Oleanane
Almond, black bean, common bean
Provides defense against pathogenic microbes and herbivores
Antimicrobial activity and aids in the treatment of chronic diseases
Phenolic compounds
Gallic acid
Grapes, strawberries, tea leaves, oak bark
Inhibits plant pathogens, and insects; Protects against Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties
Cinnamic acid
Spice cinnamon
Increases lignin production and inhibits root growth in certain plants
Adds flavor in foods and drinks, aroma in perfumes and cosmetics; Exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities
Flavanols
Tea leaves, grapes, chocolate
Regulates cell growth, attracts pollinators, protects against biotic and abiotic stresses
Prevents inflammation and allergies; Acts against free radicals (antioxidant)
Flavonoids
Quercetin
Onions, grapes, citrus fruits
Roles in seed germination, pollen growth, scavenging ROS, photosynthesis
May prevent cardiovascular diseases, reduces inflammation, has antioxidant activity
Anthocyanins
Grapes, apples, red and purple berries, cabbage
Attracts pollinators, protects against UV radiation, scavenging ROS
Prevents diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases
Rutin
Buckwheat, Eucalyptus tree, Citrus fruits, Japanese Pagoda tree
Induces defense responses against biotic and abiotic stresses
Helps in blood circulation, strengthens capillaries, lowers cholesterol; and antioxidant activity
Polysaccharides
Amylose
Potato, oats, rice
Stores glucose for energy source
Reduces inflammation, hypertension
Amylopectin
Rice, corn, white potato
Stores glucose for energy source
Improves gut microbiome and intestinal health
Dietary fiber
Lignin
Wheat, cabbage, tomato
Major structural component in plant cell wall
Reduces hot flashes in postmenopausal women,
Cellulose
Wheat, rice, jute, corn
Major structural component in plant cell wall
Improves microbiome diversity, reduces bad cholesterol, improves diabetes sensitivity
