Cyanogenic glycosides are natural phytotoxins produced by over 2000 plant species, many of which are consumed by humans. The important food crops that contain cyanogenic glycosides include cassava (Manihot esculenta), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium L.), bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), apple (Malus domestica), and apricot (Prunus armeniaca). Cyanogenic glycosides and their derivatives have amino acid-derived aglycones, which spontaneously degrade to release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Dietary cyanide exposure has been associated with several health challenges such as acute cyanide poisoning, growth retardation, and neurological disorders. This chapter will introduce general cyanogenesis principles, highlight major food plants with lethal cyanide levels, and provide epidemiological-based health conditions linked to cyanide intake. Furthermore, strategies for elimination of cyanogens from food crops, such as processing technologies, will be discussed. Finally, the chapter will analyze the role of cyanogenic plants in ensuring food security among resource-poor communities.
There have been increasing consumer preferences for foods and beverages prepared with natural additives. Regular consumption of functional foods that contain significant amounts of bioactive phytochemicals has been associated with a reduced risk of several types of non-communicable diseases. However, under certain circumstances, some phytochemical food additives and ingredients are known to be potentially toxic. This chapter will discuss various categories of phytochemical additives based on their chemical structural classes and mode of action, the claimed health benefits, and the potential toxicity of each class. It will also provide a review of the studies on important natural food additives that are used as preservatives, coloring agents, sweeteners and anti-caking agents. Finally, current challenges and future research directions for phytochemical food additives will be presented.
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