Abstract
Phenolic compounds are well-known bioactive compounds in plants that can have a protective role against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and many other diseases. To promote local food development, a comprehensive overview of the phenolic compounds’ composition and their impact on human health from typical Mediterranean plants such as Punica granatum L., Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Arbutus unedo L., Celtis australis L., Ficus carica L., Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus L. is provided. Moreover, the potential use of these data for authenticity determination is discussed. Some of the plants’ phenolic compounds and their impact to human health are very well determined, while for others, the data are scarce. However, in all cases, more data should be available about the content, profile and health impacts due to a high variation of phenolic compounds depending on genetic and environmental factors. Quantifying variation in phenolic compounds in plants relative to genetic and environmental factors could be a useful tool in food authentication control. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to better understand the importance of phenolic compounds on human health and their variation in certain plants.
Highlights
20% of the food consumed in the European Union is sourced locally despite the positive benefits for local economies
Figs are a good source of minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, amino acids and phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins that have a potential impact on human health and are important to enhance the growing of this plant in certain Mediterranean areas
This review addressed poorly represented Mediterranean plants in Istria that are rich in phenolic compound content and have economic potential for the area
Summary
20% of the food consumed in the European Union is sourced locally despite the positive benefits for local economies. Antioxidants inhibit the action of enzymes that catalyze the detoxification pathway in the body upon exposure to mutagens [17] Based on their bioactive effects, phenolic compounds can contribute to the quality of food. In addition to their antioxidant effects, Crozier et al [16] described in detail the exertion of different specific modulatory effects of phenolic compounds in cells important for cellular growth, proliferation and apoptosis. Their mechanism of action does not involve only the antioxidant activity, and the selective actions on various components of the intracellular signaling cascades that are vital for cellular functions [16] With these high-quality attributes, it is important for local farmers to label their products and ensure that they have legitimate claims to their designation of origin. This review emphasizes the economic importance of these plants and provides directions for future studies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
