Bioactive Phytochemical Compounds between Gut Microbiota, Cancer and Physiological Dysfunction

Abstract

Gut microbiota mainly dominated by bacteria attribute to the divisions Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, plays an important role in host physiology and influences several relevant functions. Bacteria diversity in gut microbiota driven by dietary factors and influences metabolic and immune functions of the host’s physiology. Imbalance in the gut microbiota, named dysbiosis, can lead to the development of various diseases, such as cancer and even psychological dysfunction. Therefore, Gut microbiota is an appropriate target for nutritional interventions to improve health. These facts motivate us to highlight on the influence of phytochemicals on gut microbiota and look for an alternative treatment of inflammatory diseases by using nutritional supplements. Among dietaries phytochemicals elements we found several chemical compounds such as polyphenols and their derivatives, carotenoids, and thiosulfates. Polyphenols as the largest group can gather four main groups: flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenoids, and lignans. These compounds, which constitute a natural reservoir, have proved their efficiency as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules. From this point, we may classify these compounds as an alternative molecule to treat or prevent the development of cancer or even psychological dysfunction.