Examples of phytoalexins and their properties The examples below are just a few of the many thousands of phytoalexins produced by plants, but serve to highlight the potential benefits of including them as part of a healthy diet, and perhaps the drawbacks of not doing so. The ailments that may respond to these compounds include acne, arthritis, bacterial infections, cancer, diabetes, fungal infections, heart disease, inflammation and even memory loss. There are undoubtedly expensive pharmaceutical products that may address any or all of the above. However, if there are dietary compounds that may prevent the onset of illness then surely choosing to eat produce containing those compounds as part of the daily diet is a sensible approach. Prevention is better than cure.
For anyone prepared to invest the time, there is a wealth of
drawback of resveratrol is that its bioavailability is very poor.
information on the internet just waiting to be read. Some
of the articles are necessarily more technical than others,
http://www.fasebj.org
but you should be able to find ones that provide you with a message you can understand. (use Google as a search tool)
References1) Dipak K Das and Nilanjana Maulik. Resveratrol in
Cardioprotection. Molecular Interventions Vol 6 Issue 1 36-
47 (2006). www.molinterv.aspetjournals.org
2) Resveratrol as a cancer preventative agent
Cyanidin is an antioxidant and occurs naturally in the fruit of
www.nature.com/bjc/journal
sour cherries, blueberries, blackberries and european grapes. It may protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the
risk of heart diseases. Studies have generally shown that
the glucoside derivative of cyanidin may have an important
Tangeretin is a citrus bioflavanoid. It has antioxidant
future role in cancer therapy. It is responsible for the red
properties and has shown promise in reducing the risk of
colours in the fruits and serves as an attractant to insects for
certain cancers, as well as neuroprotective activities. It is able
to cross the blood brain barrier and may have a role to play in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies suggest
tangeretin may interfere with the drug Tamoxifen, commonly
Differentiation of human melanoma cells induced by cyanidin-
used in the treatment of breast cancer. A google search on
this plant chemical turns up an enormous amount of data on
http://www.fasebj.org
Nobiletin is a close cousin of tangeretin, and a google search
produces an even greater volume of papers. Reported benefits
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin and possesses
include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cholesterol reduction,
diverse biochemical and physiological actions. It is an antioxidant,
improvements in memory loss and even for the treatment of
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-tumour and there are a
acne. A truly versatile phytoalexin if ever there was one.
host of other attributes. So says the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture. To see what else it can do
click the link.www.ars-grin.gov/duke/chem-activities.html and type in
the word resveratrol to find the activities of the chosen chemical. www.raysahelian.com/tangeretin.html
You can use the same technique to investigate the properties of other
phytoalexins mentioned here, or any others you may know of.
2) www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/ nobiletin.php
The first reference below discusses the cardioprotective abilities of resveratrol, and its promise as an alternative medicine. The second article discusses other attributes. One
Ellagic acid is another polyphenolic phytoalexins with many
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in apples,
useful properties. It is an antioxidant, antiyeast, Candida-SAP-
oranges, lemons, spinach and the much maligned Brussels
inhibitor and has cancer preventative activities. It occurs
sprout. It is reported to reduce cholesterol levels, may reduce
in a number of fruits including raspberries, strawberries,
the risk of certain cancers and in the reference below is thought
blackberries and cranberries as well as walnuts. The first
to be useful in the treatment of diabetes. The diabetes study
reference below discusses studies carried out in 1999 and
suggests the inclusion of ferulic acid in the normal daily diet.
2005, while the second looks at how combinations of plant chemicals work synergistically to produce enhanced health
1)sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200410/ 000020041004A0290511.php www.worldofmolecules.com/antioxidants/ellagic_ acid.htm
Lycopene is probably best known as the red pigment in tomatoes, but it also appears in citrus fruits, watermelon,
2) The American society for nutritional sciences J. Nutr.
carrots, apricots, peaches and grapes. It is widely thought
to reduce the risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer. It is
www.jn.nutrition.org
also thought to have a role to play in the reduction of heart disease. Fans of tomato ketchup will be pleased to know that
it is an excellent source of lycopene.
Gallic acid may be found in a number of plants, but occurs at higher levels in walnuts, grapes, tea and hops. It has
been used in ointments for the treatment of psoriasis and
1) www.lycopene.com
has anti-fungal properties as well. The first reference below refers to its ability to prevent fungus from producing harmful
2) www.news.uiuc.edu/scitips/03/1104lycopene.html
aflatoxins. The second reference is to its use in the treatment of inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and is part of a patent application.
References 1) www.ars.usda.gov
2) http://www.freshpatents.com
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Examples of phytoalexins and their properties
Ellagic acid is another polyphenolic phytoalexins with many
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in apples,
useful properties. It is an antioxidant, antiyeast, Candida-SAP-
oranges, lemons, spinach and the much maligned Brussels
inhibitor and has cancer preventative activities. It occurs
sprout. It is reported to reduce cholesterol levels, may reduce
in a number of fruits including raspberries, strawberries,
the risk of certain cancers and in the reference below is thought
blackberries and cranberries as well as walnuts. The first
to be useful in the treatment of diabetes. The diabetes study
reference below discusses studies carried out in 1999 and
suggests the inclusion of ferulic acid in the normal daily diet.