Selected phenolic compounds in cultivated plants: Ecologic functions, health implications, and modulation by pesticides

Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Plant tissu es may contain up to several grams per kilogram. External stimuli such as m icrobial infections, ultraviolet radiation, and chemical stressors induce t heir synthesis. The phenolic compounds resveratrol, flavonoids, and furanoc oumarins have many ecologic functions and affect human health. Ecologic fun ctions include defense against microbial pathogens and herbivorous animals. Phenolic compounds may have both beneficial and toxic effects on human hea lth. Effects on low-density lipoproteins and aggregation of platelets are b eneficial because they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Mutagenic , cancerogenic, and phototoxic effects are risk factors of human health. Th e synthesis of phenolic compounds in plants can be modulated by the applica tion of herbicides and, to a lesser extent, insecticides and fungicides. Th e effects on ecosystem functioning and human health are complex and cannot be predicted with great certainty. The consequences of the combined natural and pesticide-induced modulating effects for ecologic functions and human health should be further evaluated.