Attribute enhancement of cereals by enriching phytochemicals: a review

Abstract

Cereals are essential foods worldwide, providing not only macronutrients but also phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds from plant sources that have been receiving significant interest due to their potential beneficial effects on human health, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. This review describes the phytochemical profile of different cereals such as wheat, rice, maize, barley, and oats, including their effects on human health. Cereals are rich in phytochemicals such as tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids etc. It is also rich in ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant, found in large amounts in wheat. Rice, especially pigmented types like black and red rice, is a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids. Maize is rich in carotenoids that are important for eye health. Barley derives its cholesterol-reducing properties from beta-glucans, while oats are loved for their avenanthramides, plant compounds unique to the grain that comes with anti-inflammatory baggage. Beyond their nutritional profile, these phytochemicals have gained attention due to their potential preventive and therapeutic effects towards chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. This review article emphasises the use of phytochemically enriched cereals in regular diets and urges further studies on optimal conditions for treating diseases and the mode of ingestion as a regular habit.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788198800428.2025.65-78