Alpha-linolenic acid, phytoprostanes and phytofurans in plant, algae and food

Abstract

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is abundant in plants and essential in human diet. Due to the occurrence of skipped diene in the structure, it can steadily become oxidized non-enzymatically in plants and human, and generate phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs). Insofar, there are Type A-, B-, D-, E-, F-, J- and L-PhytoPs that comprises of different isomers, and two types of PhytoFs; the alkenyl and enediol substructures identified by analysts and synthesized by organic chemists. In agricultural products such as olives and almonds, these compounds are valuable biomarkers for adverse environmental change and quality assurance. In plants they regulate immunological functions and take part in gene interaction for growth, while in human, they retain antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This chapter introduces the types of PhytoPs and PhytoFs found in ALA rich plants and algae, and overlooks at some potential biological functions in plants and human.