Role of medicinal plants, herbs, and spices in protecting human health

Nutr Rev. 1999 Sep;57(9 Pt 2):S41-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.1999.tb01806.x.

Abstract

The body of knowledge about plants, herbs, and spices and their respective and collective roles in promoting human health is modest. Flavonoids in tea and anthocyanins in tart cherries were presented as examples of how to move forward in understanding active compounds. Dietary compounds, their roles in maintaining human health, and their interactions with established nutrients were determined to be short-term research priorities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthocyanins / therapeutic use*
  • Flavonoids / therapeutic use*
  • Health
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plants, Medicinal / metabolism*
  • Plants, Medicinal / therapeutic use*
  • Research
  • United States

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Flavonoids