Phytochemicals

Traditional medicine has become increasingly popular over the years due to the notion that most traditional methods use natural substances to achieve their desired effects. Phytochemicals, or the chemicals present in plants found in traditional medicine, have been widely studied for their therapeutic properties. Phytochemicals are literally present in almost all plants, and all are naturally medicinal in some way. Different types of phytochemicals have different properties, but the most common types consist of phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals are believed to be the antagonists or mediators of certain biological activities. Phenolic compounds, for example, have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiosteoporotic properties. They are found in vegetables and fruits, cereals, tea, and some medicinal herbs, such as licorice, ginger, and green tea. Pomegranate is a good example of a fruit that contains phenolic compounds, which exhibit powerful antioxidant activity and can help lower blood pressure. Terpenoids, meanwhile, are thought to be phenomenally potent compounds with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Terpenoids are most commonly found in essential oils, such as the oils of oregano, clove, peppermint, cinnamon, and rosemary. Peppermint oil, for instance, is traditionally used to inhibit nausea. Tannins, an alkaloid-type phytochemical, are also common ingredients in traditional medicines. Tannins are mainly found in teas, wines, and herbs and can help to reduce the absorption of the fat from food, as well as demonstrate anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. Lastly, saponins are another type of phytochemical found in traditional medicines. Saponins can be found in foods such as onions, canola oil, and legumes, and are thought to act as natural emulsifiers, meaning they can help to reduce inflammation and cholesterol. In conclusion, research has found that phytochemicals found in plants used in traditional medicine have various medicinal properties. From antioxidants to antimicrobials, these compounds appear to have multiple potential therapeutic benefits.