UV-B Induced Secondary Plant Metabolites. Potential benefits for plant and human health

Resumen

Epidemiological studies have revealed an association between a high consumption of fruit, vegetables and herbs and a lower risk of both cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This protective effect is mostly due to secondary metabolites present in plant tissues. In contrast to numerous previous UV-B studies, which have focused on the potential impacts of increased levels of solar UV-B radiation reaching the Earth's surface due to stratospheric ozone depletion, recent investigations revealed that UV-B radiation is an important regulator of plant secondary metabolism. Low, ecologically-relevant UV-B levels trigger distinct changes in the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids and glucosinolates. Fundamental understanding of plant UV-B perception and responses opens up new opportunities for crop manipulation. Thus, targeted low dosage UV-B radiation treatments as emerging technology may be used to generate fruit, vegetables and herbs enriched with secondary plant metabolites for either fresh consumption or as a source for functional foods and nutraceuticals.