Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Introduction: Bioactive Compounds and Elements in Human Nutrition

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Analytical Methods in the Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Elements in Food

Part of the book series: Food Bioactive Ingredients ((FBC))

  • 536 Accesses

Abstract

The bioactive compounds and elements, as the name implies (the Greek “bios” means life, and the Latin “activus” means dynamic or full of energy), are characterized by a certain biological activity that has a direct impact on the living organisms. The interaction can have a positive or negative effect, depending on the nature of the substance, its dose, and bioavailability. The bioactive compounds can act as antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors and inducers, inhibitors of receptor activities, and inducers and inhibitors of gene expression, among other actions. The essential trace elements play a vital role in many biochemical reactions and are important building blocks of some enzymes and proteins. Nevertheless, although the bioactive components of the human diet are not those necessary to meet the basic nutritional needs as the nutrients do, they still play an important role in human nutrition.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anderson, R.A. 2000. Chromium in the prevention and control of diabetes. Diabetes & Metabolism 26: 22–27.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Antonious, G.F. 2018. Capsaicinoids and vitamins in hot pepper and their role in disease therapy in: Capsaicin and its human therapeutic development. In Capsaicin and its human therapeutic development, ed. G. Mozsik. London: Intech Open.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arai, K., H. Terashima, S.-I. Aizawa, A. Taga, A. Yamamoto, K. Tsutsumiuchi, and S. Kodama. 2015. Simultaneous determination of trigonelline, caffeine, chlorogenic acid and their related compounds in instant coffee samples by HPLC using an acidic mobile phase containing octanesulfonate. Analytical Sciences 31: 831–835.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barnes, P.J. 2013. Theophylline. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 188: 901–906.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beale, J.M., Jr. 2011. Central nervous system stimulants. In Wilson and Gisvold’s Textbook of organic medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, ed. J.H. Block and J.M. Beale Jr., 505–506. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhandari, D., S. Rafiq, Y. Gat, P. Gat, R. Waghmare, and V. Kumar. 2020. A review on bioactive peptides: Physiological functions, bioavailability and safety. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics 26: 139–150.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chakrabarti, S., F. Jahandideh, and J. Wu. 2014. Food-derived bioactive peptides on inflammation and oxidative stress. BioMed Research International 2014: 608979.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, X., G. Young, J. Chen, X. Chen, Z. Wen, and K. Ge. 1980. Studies on the relations of selenium and Keshan diseases. Biological Trace Element Research 2: 91–107.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eroglu, C., M. Secme, G. Bagci, and Y. Dodurga. 2015. Assessment of the anticancer mechanism of ferulic acid via cell cycle and apoptotic pathways in human prostate cancer cell lines. Tumour Biology 36: 9437–9446.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fang, J., A. Sureda, A. Sanches Silva, F. Khan, S. Xu, and S.M. Nabavi. 2019. Trends of tea in cardiovascular health and disease: A critical review. Trends in Food Science and Technology 88: 385–396.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franco, R., A. Oñatibia-Astibia, and E. Martínez-Pinilla. 2013. Health benefits of methylxanthines in cacao and chocolate. Nutrients 5: 4159–4173.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glinsukon, T., V. Stitmunnaithum, C. Toskulkao, T. Buranawuti, and V. Tangkrisanavinont. 1980. Acute toxicity of capsaicin in several animal species. Toxicon 18: 215–220.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamdy, M.K., and O.R. Noyes. 1975. Formation of methyl mercury by bacteria. Applied Microbiology 30: 424–432.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, E.D. 2001. Copper homeostasis: The role of cellular transporters. Nutrition Reviews 59: 281–285.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • James, A.K., S. Nehzati, N.V. Dolgova, D. Sokaras, T. Kroll, K. Eto, J.L. O’Donoghue, G.E. Watson, G.J. Myers, P.H. Krone, I.J. Pickering, and G.N. George. 2020. Rethinking the Minamata tragedy: What mercury species was really responsible? Environmental Science and Technology 54: 2726–2733.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jeszka-Skowron, M., and A. Zgoła-Grześkowiak. 2014. Analysis of antioxidant activity, chlorogenic acid and rutin content of Camellia sinensis infusions using response surface methodology optimization. Food Analytical Methods 7: 2033–2041.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kadosh, E., I. Snir-Alkalay, A. Venkatachalam, S. May, A. Lasry, E. Elyada, A. Zinger, M. Shaham, G. Vaalani, M. Mernberger, T. Stiewe, E. Pikarsky, M. Oren, and Y. Ben-Neriah. 2020. The gut microbiome switches mutant p53 from tumour-suppressive to oncogenic. Nature 586: 133–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kenfield, S.A., E.L. Van Blarigan, N. DuPre, M.J. Stampfer, E.L. Giovannucci, and J.M. Chan. 2015. Selenium supplementation and prostate cancer mortality. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 107: 360.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kontiokari, T., K. Sundqvist, M. Nuutinen, T. Pokka, M. Koskela, and M. Uhari. 2001. Randomised trial of cranberry-lingonberry juice and Lactobacillus GG drink for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women. British Medical Journal 322: 1571.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kulczyński, B., A. Gramza-Michałowska, J. Kobus-Cisowska, and D. Kmiecik. 2017. The role of carotenoids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease – Current state of knowledge. Journal of Functional Foods 38: 45–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, M., C.T. Ho, and Q. Huang. 2017. Extraction, bioavailability, and bioefficacy of capsaicinoids. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis 25: 27–36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mandal, B.K., and K.T. Suzuki. 2002. Arsenic round the world: A review. Talanta 58: 201–235.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Monteiro, J.P., M.G. Alves, P.F. Oliveira, and B.M. Silva. 2016. Structure-bioactivity relationships of methylxanthines: Trying to make sense of all the promises and the drawbacks. Molecules 21: 974.

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nehlig, A., J.-L. Daval, and G. Debry. 1992. Caffeine and the central nervous system: Mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Research Reviews 17: 139–170.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pedrero, Z., and Y. Madrid. 2009. Novel approaches for selenium speciation in foodstuffs and biological specimens. Analytica Chimica Acta 634: 135–152.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prashanth, L., K.K. Kattapagari, R.T. Chitturi, V.R. Reddy Baddam, and L.K. Prasad. 2015. A review on role of essential trace elements in health and disease. Journal of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences 4: 75–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robins, R.J. 2003. Phenolic acids in foods: An overview of analytical methodology. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 51: 2866–2887.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez-Concepcion, M., J. Avalos, M.L. Bonet, A. Boronat, L. Gomez-Gomez, D. Hornero-Mendez, and J. Ribot. 2018. A global perspective on carotenoids: Metabolism, biotechnology, and benefits for nutrition and health. Progress in Lipid Research 70: 62–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rotruck, J.T., A.L. Pope, H.E. Ganther, A.B. Swanson, D.G. Hafeman, and W.G. Hoekstra. 1973. Selenium: Biochemical role as a component of glutathione peroxidase. Science 179: 588–590.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salihović, M., S. Huseinović, S. Špirtović-Halilović, A. Osmanović, A. Dedić, Z. Ašimović, and D. Završnik. 2014. DFT study and biological activity of some methylxanthines. Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 42: 31–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez, A., and A. Vázquez. 2017. Bioactive peptides: A review. Food Quality and Safety 1: 29–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sattanathan, K., C. Dhanapal, and R. Manavalan. 2010. LDL lowering properties of rutin in diabetic patients. International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences 1: 467–473.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stalikas, C.D. 2007. Extraction, separation, and detection methods for phenolic acids and flavonoids. Journal of Separation Science 30: 3268–3295.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Surh, Y.J., and S.S. Lee. 1996. Capsaicin in hot chili pepper: carcinogen, co-carcinogen or anticarcinogen? Food and Chemical Toxicology 34: 313–316.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Takaichi, S. 2011. Carotenoids in algae: Distributions, biosyntheses and functions. Marine Drugs 9: 1101–1118.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Terao, J., H. Karasawa, H. Arai, A. Nagao, T. Suzuki, and K. Takama. 1993. Peroxyl radical scavenging activity of caffeic acid and its related phenolic compounds in solution. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry 57: 1204–1205.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vaidya, B., S.-Y. Cho, K.-S. Oh, S.H. Kim, Y.O. Kim, E.-H. Jeong, T.T. Nguyen, S.H. Kim, I.S. Kim, and J. Kwon. 2016. Effectiveness of periodic treatment of quercetin against influenza a virus H1N1 through modulation of protein expression. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 64: 4416–4425.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Walia, A., A.K. Gupta, and V. Sharma. 2019. Role of bioactive compounds in human health. Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 3: 25–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widomska, J., M. Zareba, and W.K. Subczynski. 2016. Can xanthophyll-membrane interactions explain their selective presence in the retina and brain? Food 5: 7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaheer, K. 2017. Hen egg carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) and nutritional impacts on human health: A review. CYTA – Journal of Food 15: 474–487.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zakynthinos, G., and T. Varzakas. 2016. Carotenoids: From plants to food industry. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science 4: 38–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, L., C.-T. Ho, J. Zhou, J.S. Santos, L. Armstrong, and D. Granato. 2019. Chemistry and biological activities of processed Camellia sinensis teas: A comprehensive review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 18: 1474–1495.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ziberna, L., M. Lunder, S. Moze, A. Vanzo, F. Tramer, S. Passamonti, and G. Drevensek. 2010. Acute cardioprotective and cardiotoxic effects of bilberry anthocyanins in ischemia-reperfusion injury: Beyond concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. Cardiovascular Toxicology 10: 283–294.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education (PUT grant number: 0911/SBAD/0396).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznań, Poland

    Agnieszka Zgoła-Grześkowiak & Tomasz Grześkowiak

Authors
  1. Agnieszka Zgoła-Grześkowiak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tomasz Grześkowiak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland

    Magdalena Jeszka-Skowron

  2. Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland

    Agnieszka Zgoła-Grześkowiak

  3. Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland

    Tomasz Grześkowiak

  4. Vegetable R & D Department, Bayer Crop Science division, Gauribidanur, Karnataka, India

    Akula Ramakrishna

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Zgoła-Grześkowiak, A., Grześkowiak, T. (2021). Introduction: Bioactive Compounds and Elements in Human Nutrition. In: Jeszka-Skowron, M., Zgoła-Grześkowiak, A., Grześkowiak, T., Ramakrishna, A. (eds) Analytical Methods in the Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Elements in Food. Food Bioactive Ingredients. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61879-7_1

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation