Open AccessStatus of research results in chemistry of biologically active substances in Benin
Author(s) -
Alain Yaya Koudoro,
Christian T. R. Konfo,
Philippe Sessou,
Dominique C. K. Sohounhloué
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of phytomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0975-0185
DOI - 10.5138/09750185.2251
Subject(s) - preservative , food preservatives , antimicrobial , microbiology and biotechnology , traditional medicine , pharmaceutical industry , aromatic plants , business , chemistry , toxicology , medicine , biology , food science , organic chemistry , botany
Research on biologically active chemicals extracted from medicinal plants and essential oils from aromatic plants in the West African subregion is booming. Recognition of the clinical, pharmaceutical and economic value of herbal medicines continues to grow despite the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the continued development of new, more effective synthetic and biological medical products. On the other hand, despite the improvement in food preservation technics, food preservatives nature remains one of the most important issues for public health. Indeed, several synthetic preservatives have been banned in some countries because of their long-term adverse toxicological effects. The current trend of consumers to seek for a more natural diet has prompted the research, development and application of new natural products with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in order to use them as alternatives to synthetic preservatives. This review aims to do an inventory of the results of research in chemistry of biologically active substances in Benin.