Effects of Healthful Bioactive Compounds on the Gastrointestinal Tract

Optimal performance of the liver and gastrointestinal tract is vital for general human health. The gastrointestinal system is the main site of nutrient digestion and absorption, and therefore has substantial effects on providing energy and growth for the body. All nutrient and non-nutrient components have an impact on the gastrointestinal system, either locally or systemically. Undeniably, gastrointestinal disorders, with increasing lifetime prevalence, have a profound effect on human health and reduce the quality of life. Nowadays, therapeutic options are limited to medical therapy, including pharmacologic approaches and surgical intervention or lifestyle changes aimed at dietary modifications and increased physical activity. Certainly, dietary modifications can be effective in preventing, treating, and alleviating associated symptoms and complications. In addition to improving whole dietary patterns, the components of foods, collectively or independently, also have a substantial role in their therapeutic features. These components, particularly bioactive compounds, confer unique health benefits and aid in management of various diseases. Recently, investigators have paid much attention to chemopreventive activity of bioactive dietary compounds in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Fruits, vegetables and edible plants are the main source of biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective properties. Most importantly, no major side effects have been reported for these compounds until now. Therefore, this book offers novel targets for prevention, treatment and management of liver and gastrointestinal diseases by providing evidence of effectiveness of bioactive compounds of functional foods. Furthermore, intracellular and molecular pharmacological mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds will also be discussed. It seems that bioactive compounds bring new hope for patients with gastrointestinal disorders through their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potential. The editors hope that the book will be a useful reference for researchers, product developers, health professionals and students.