Herbs and Medicinal Plants in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: The presence of phenolic acids in edible products for human consumption is considered in relation to the production of odorant substances, with a variety of different aromas. OBJECTIVE: Phenolic substances anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavanols, flavones and isoflavones, flavones, flavonols, etc. - are extremely interesting as flavor additives, anti-aging or maturing agents, and color and aroma enhancers. METHOD: The connection between flavoring properties on one hand and the presence of phenolic compounds on the other can be discussed in terms of food acceptance by consumers, especially with relation to the "Mediterranean Diet" lifestyle. RESULTS: The health perspectives of these and other food products related to Mediterranean Diet should be evaluated in the geographical ambit of the Mediterranean Basin, including several particular food and vegetable preparations - herbs and medicinal plants - of the Middle East. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this paper is to give a presentation on these specialties in relation to Jordan. HIGHLIGHTS: Medicinal herbs have interesting health properties against digestive problems, parasitic worms, liver diseases, diabetes, skin problems, nervous, cardiocirculatory, and respiratory diseases.

Phenolic Substances in Foods and Anticarcinogenic Properties: A Public Health Perspective.

The interest in polyphenols from vegetable sources has been progressively increased because of the demonstrated correlation between their abundance in certain foods or food preparations of traditional importance and heritage, and the answer of anti-inflammatory strategies in hospitalized patients in the presence of polypehnol-rich foods (as a complementary therapy). Consequently, research involving the accessory role of polyphenols as anti-tumoral aids have been carried out with the aim of finding new additional strategies. The purpose of this paper to evaluate the role of phenolic compounds in foods with reference to health effects for human beings. The importance of these molecules has been evaluated by the health and safety perspectives in terms of: fight to cardiovascular diseases; prevention of chronic-degenerative disorders; general antioxidant properties; and anticarcinogenic features. Moreover, the role of polyphenols-rich foods as anticancer agents has been discussed with relation to two distinct "action plans" on the public hygiene level: the promotion of human health on the one side (for non-hospitalized and normal subjects), and reliable contrasting strategies in cancer patients.