The Extraction of Medicinal Compoundsfrom Fruits and Vegetables

Medicinal Compounds in Plants and Vegetables

Many herbs, medicinal plants, and certain fruits and vegetables contain compounds that can prevent, treat, or reduce the severity of both acute and chronic diseases. These are not nutrients but true medicinal agents—similar in significance to well-known plant-derived compounds like quinine and digitalis. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are consistently linked to reduced cancer risks and other chronic illnesses.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through initiatives like Healthy People 2000 and 2010, has recommended consuming 5 to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. However, the “5 A Day” message often fails to distinguish between general nutrition and the presence of disease-fighting compounds. As a result, consumption of vegetables rich in medicinal phytochemicals—especially dark green and cruciferous vegetables—remains low.

Commonly Consumed Produce vs. Medicinal Plants

In the U.S., the most commonly eaten fruits and vegetables include iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, French fries, bananas, and orange juice. These account for 30% of all produce consumed. In contrast, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts are eaten by only 3% of the population. Spinach, a dark green leafy vegetable, is consumed by just 2%.

These under-consumed vegetables contain some of the highest concentrations of anti-cancer compounds. Yet, they are often disliked. For instance, former President George H. W. Bush publicly expressed his dislike for broccoli. Kale and soy, both nutritionally and medicinally valuable, are nearly absent from many American diets.

Taste and Psychological Preference

Taste plays a major role in food choices. A hamburger, high in fat and psychological satisfaction, is often preferred over steamed broccoli. Unfortunately, such fatty foods contain arachidonic acid, a precursor to inflammation-promoting prostaglandins.

While it’s unrealistic to expect perfect diets, the common excuse of “we can’t eat right all the time” often masks a consistent pattern of poor choices. Ultimately, most people eat what they enjoy, not what benefits them medically. Medicinal foods—those containing disease-fighting phytochemicals—include compounds such as:

• Lycopene (tomatoes)
• Lutein and zeaxanthin (corn, leafy greens)
• Anthocyanins (berries, red apples, grapes, wine)
• Beta-carotene (carrots, mangos, squash, pumpkin)
• Citrus flavonoids (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)
• Glucosinolates (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts)
• Allyl sulfides (onions, garlic)

The National Cancer Institute and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend 5 to 9 servings of these foods daily. However, this is often impractical. Many of these foods are not readily available, especially while traveling. In the home, convenience, smell, and taste often determine dietary choices.

Bioavailability Issues with Medicinal Compounds

A significant problem with herbal or medicinal food products is bioavailability. Many natural compounds are not water-soluble. When taken orally, only a small portion is absorbed through the stomach. Even those that are absorbed may be quickly neutralized during their first pass through the liver or intestinal wall.

Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer

Asian women experience significantly lower rates of breast cancer compared to Western women. This has been partly attributed to their high intake of soy isoflavones—plant compounds with documented anti-cancer activity. Genistein, a prominent soy isoflavone, acts as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a mild estrogen analog. It can block estrogen receptors and may even protect against estrogenic pesticides.

However, soy remains a minor part of Western diets. It’s difficult to find in many U.S. grocery stores. When Asian women move to the West and adopt new dietary habits, their risk of breast and other cancers increases. Realistically, soy would need to make up a large portion of the diet for genistein to be effective. This is unlikely to happen.

Transdermal Delivery of Medicinal Compounds

To address the limitations of oral consumption, a method has been developed to deliver ethanol-soluble medicinal compounds through the skin. These compounds are mixed into a proprietary blend of oils and applied to areas with subcutaneous fat—such as the thighs, abdomen, or buttocks. After one minute of rubbing, the compounds penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

This method is based on longstanding practices. Ethanol extracts of plants have long been used in health stores. However, adding these extracts to water causes them to precipitate. By blending them with oil instead, the compounds remain in solution and can be absorbed directly through the skin.

Laboratory Studies and the Role of pH

In laboratory settings, many plant-based compounds have demonstrated the ability to kill cancer cells and inhibit viruses like HIV. These compounds are usually dissolved in ethanol or DMSO. Unfortunately, they often precipitate when injected or exposed to water-based environments.

Most medicinal compounds are only soluble in water under extreme pH conditions. The skin, with a natural pH of 5.5, provides a favorable environment for delivering acid-stable compounds. Once absorbed, these compounds can travel through the lymphatic system, a key reservoir for nutrients and viruses like HIV.

Implications for Public Health and Disease Prevention

This delivery method has far-reaching implications. In resource-limited regions, plant compounds can be extracted with ethanol and mixed with lipid carriers for topical use. This creates an affordable, accessible approach to disease prevention and treatment. Properly formulated mixtures do not cause inflammation or allergic reactions, as they do not disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. A specific plant extract is also included to inhibit allergic responses.

Beyond Disease Treatment: Preventative and Practical Applications

This technology extends beyond treating illness. Medicinal vegetables such as soy and broccoli can be extracted and used in topical creams. For example, genistein could be applied directly to the breast, where it would remain in fat tissue—potentially helping to prevent breast cancer.

These creams can be scented with essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or orange for improved appeal. Since the active compounds are delivered through the skin, picky eaters—including children and animals—can benefit without ingesting unpalatable foods.

Depending on their use, such creams function as either nutritional supplements or therapeutic agents. What they are not is food. Pharmaceutical development has long sought to effectively deliver medicinal compounds across the skin. This carrier system can be adapted to deliver a wide range of insoluble substances, including synthetic drugs and vaccine components.