Encyclopedia of Phytochemicals: Volume IV (Nutraceuticals and Impact on Health)

This book extensively examines phytochemicals and the impact on human health. Phytochemicals can be referred to as any of the various biologically active compounds found in plants. None of the thousands of naturally occurring constituents so far found in plants are considered to be dangerous towards human health at the present low levels of intake when used as flavoring substances. Genetic as well as environmental factors often influence the chemical composition of the plant essential oils because of their natural origin. Factors like geographical location, species and subspecies, harvest time, plant part used and technique of isolation all influence the chemical composition of the crude material detached from the plant. The screening of natural products and plant extracts for antimicrobial and antioxidative activity has unveiled the potential of higher plants as a source of novel agents, to serve the processing of natural products.