BEYOND ANTI-NUTRITION: THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF LEGUME ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS IN HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

Earlier, anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) from legumes (protease inhibitors, lectins, phytates, saponins, and polyphenols) were known to hinder the bioavailability of nutrients and were necessary to be inactivated by heat or chemical treatment. However, a series of molecular and clinical studies along with epidemiological evidence has radically changed our way of looking at these compounds as potential beneficial therapeutics for common and some non-infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss the transition from the traditional viewpoint of anti-nutrients to the modern bioactive compounds with an explanation of how ANFs from legumes exert their positive impact through modulation of bioactive pathways, the most important of which include Nrf 2-Keap1, NF-κB, and AMPK, providing positive effect in prevention of cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, one chapter of the review is devoted to the analysis of the concentration and distribution of ANFs from different legumes, enabling readers to understand the practical importance of this information. Finally, we analyze thoroughly the results of the trials on clinical use regarding Bowman-Birk inhibitors for treatment of leukoplaquia and the epidemiological data, revealing the prospective dependency between consumption of phytates and colorectal cancer incidence. The technology of processing legume seeds involving their germination and fermentation is treated in the review.This study also looks into the emerging concept of pharmafoods based on legumes and discusses the challenges involved in obtaining formulations. By considering peer-reviewed literature and findings, the examination provides a framework to consider legume ANFs not just as adverse dietary substances but also as promising nutraceutical substances for the future of prevention and personal nutrition.