John W. Finley
Louisiana State University
Bioactive compounds and their benefits continue to be of intense interest across the spectrum from the research lab to the consumer. Consumers continue to express intense interest in foods and supplements derived from natural products. There is a desire for both intervention and prevention of disease as well as general wellbeing. Natural products and functional foods can provide benefits meet consumer desires and present compelling business opportunities.
Research has helped us move from concepts in traditional medicine to identification of bioactive components in natural products and improved understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of many bioactive compounds. Recent research on the interactions with the microbiome has resulted in improved new understanding of the metabolomics resulting in the bioactivity of many complex bioactive compounds.
The increased use of natural products has resulted in increased scrutiny of quality. Concerns have been raised about adulteration, levels of bioactive components and contamination particularly with heavy metals. It is anticipated that further oversite will occur in the future.
A brief discussion of the evolution of the evolution and understanding of the benefits derived from bioactive components found in natural products. The consumer perception and commercial landscape will be discussed.
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