ABSTRACT
Human intestinal microflora is a dynamic and complex system, comprising millions of microorganisms belonging to thousands of different species. These microorganisms play various crucial biological roles. This includes maintaining health of epithelial barrier, protecting against enteropathogens, helping in extraction of nutrients from food and modulation of the immune system of the host. The composition of the gut microflora is affected by many factors, such as age and health of the individual, genetics of the population and environmental factors. In addition, gut microflora is constantly exposed to various chemicals originating from sources such as food components, medicines and unintended xenobiotics. All such chemicals affect the composition of gut microflora by promoting or inhibiting the growth of certain microorganisms. Some of the members of the gut microflora also have the capacity to metabolize these chemicals and the generated end products of such metabolism can further affect microflora composition and thus the health of the host. This chapter focuses on the effect of food-originating phytochemicals on the gut microflora and the metabolism of phytochemicals by these microorganisms.
