Phytochemical malabsorption: clinical significance

Table 1 Selected phytochemicals and their possible roles in health[3]

Phytochemicals	Some important food sources	Possible roles in health
Carctenoids	Orange pigmented and green	Antioxidants
	leafy vegetables, e.g.	Antimutagen
	carrots,	Anticarcinogen
	tomatoes, spinach	Immuno-enhancement
Flavonoids,	Green and yellow leafy	Antioxidants
isoflavonoids	vegetables, e.g. parsley,	Anticarcinogen
and saponins	celery, soy bean and soy	Oestrogenic
	products	Immuno-modulating
Polyphenols	Cranberry, raspberries,	Antioxidants
	blackberries	Antibacterial
	Rosemary, oregano, thyme	Reduce urinary tract infection
Calechins	Green tea	Antimutagen
		Anticarcinogen
		Anticariogen
Allyl thiosulfinates	Garlic, onions, leeks	Anticarcinogen
		Antibacterial
		Cholesterol lowering
Isolhiocyanates	Cruciferous vegetables, e.g.	Antimutagen
and indoles	broccoli, cabbage
Phytosterols,	Pumpkin seeds	Reduce symptoms of prostate
e.g. β-sitosterol		enlargement

This list is not exhaustive for phytochemicals.