Phytonutrients

Phytosterols are plant-based steroids that chemically have similar structures to cholesterol. They are classified into two groups, sterols and stanols. Subtypes: […]

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds with structures and effects similar to those of estrogen hormone. Subtypes: Subclasses of phytoestrogens are […]

Phenolic compound are a major class of polyphenols. These phytochemicals are derivatives of the phenolic acids. Subtypes: Phenolic compounds differ from […]

Mucilage is a glycoprotein released by most plants. Being chemically a subclass of hemicellulose, mucilage is a gelatinous substance and has […]

  Limoniods are phytochemicals responsible for yellow to orange color and taste of certain fruits and vegetables. Subtypes: Subtypes of limonoids […]

See “Phytoestrogens”.

  They are bitter-tasting terpenes in plants and active ingredients in lactucarium. Also known as “lettuce opium”, lactucarium is a milky […]

  Isothiocyanates are sulfur-containing substances (pigments) responsible for the color of green in some plants. They come from an enzymatic conversion […]

  Indole-3-carbinol is not a sulfur-containing substance but released from the sulfur-containing compounds the “glucosinolates”. It breaks down in the body […]

Furanocoumarins are a group of organic compounds produced by certain plants as a defence mechanism to protect themselves from external organisms. […]