Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Probiotics

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...

Protein Digestion

Protein Digestion

Protein digestion begins in the stomach, where the highly acidic environment can easily disrupt protein structure by exposing the peptide bonds of polypeptide chains. After polypeptide chains are broken into individual amino acids by a series of digestive enzymes, the amino acids are transported to the liver via the bloodstream to produce energy.

Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine

Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine

The large intestine is where the final stages of digestion happen. When the cecum receives chyme, it contains undigested carbohydrates that undergo fermentation. Gut bacteria ferment these carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide some energy and help synthesize essential vitamins.
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...

What is Monogastric Digestion?

What is Monogastric Digestion?

The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...

Accessory Organs

Accessory Organs

Accessory organs are those that participate in the digestion of food but do not come into direct contact with it like the mouth, stomach, or intestine do. Accessory organs secrete enzymes into the digestive tract to facilitate the breakdown of food.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Investigation of the potential anxiolytic effects of essential oils derived from two sacred plants of tantric buddhism: Rhododendron anthopogon d.don and Juniperus indica Bertol.

BMC complementary medicine and therapies·2025

Same author

Olfactory training with essential oils for patients with post-COVID-19 smell dysfunction: A case series.

European journal of integrative medicine·2023

Same author

Appropriate use of essential oils and their components in the management of upper respiratory tract symptoms in patients with COVID-19.

Journal of herbal medicine·2021

Same author

Forest Volatile Organic Compounds and Their Effects on Human Health: A State-of-the-Art Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health·2020

Same author

Comparative and Functional Screening of Three Species Traditionally used as Antidepressants: <i>Valeriana officinalis</i> L., <i>Valeriana jatamansi</i> Jones ex Roxb. and <i>Nardostachys jatamansi</i> (D.Don) DC.

Plants (Basel, Switzerland)·2020

Same author

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of <i>Leptospermum petersonii</i> and <i>Eucalyptus gunnii</i>.

Frontiers in microbiology·2020

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

In vitro Digestion of Emulsions in a Single Droplet via Multi Subphase Exchange of Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids

In vitro Digestion of Emulsions in a Single Droplet via Multi Subphase Exchange of Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids

Published on: November 18, 2022

Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties.

Marco Valussi¹

¹European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association, 25 Lincoln Close, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TY, UK. marco@infoerbe.it

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition

|October 21, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Traditional societies valued plants for digestive health more than modern medicine, blurring food and medicine lines. This study explores multifunctional plants with digestive properties, focusing on bitter, aromatic, and pungent compounds.

More Related Videos

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Published on: January 5, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

In vitro Digestion of Emulsions in a Single Droplet via Multi Subphase Exchange of Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids

In vitro Digestion of Emulsions in a Single Droplet via Multi Subphase Exchange of Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids

Published on: November 18, 2022

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Published on: January 5, 2017

Area of Science:

Ethnobotany
Pharmacology
Nutritional Science

Background:

Traditional societies extensively utilized plants for digestive ailments, unlike modern pharmacopoeias.
A notable distinction exists between traditional views (blurred food/medicine) and modern industrialized societies (clear separation).
Multifunctional foods and traditional ingredients with digestive properties warrant exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the coevolutionary basis of plant-based digestive activities.
To address analytical challenges in traditional ethnobotanical data.
To explore potential biological mechanisms of bitter, aromatic, and pungent compounds.

Main Methods:

Review of traditional plant lore focusing on digestive treatments.
Analysis of coevolutionary aspects and data ambiguities.
Examination of biological mechanisms of plant compounds.
Literature review of plants with clinical data supporting digestive action.

Main Results:

Plants with significant digestive-enhancing activities often fall into bitter, aromatic, or pungent categories.
Key examples include ginger, peppermint, aniseed, fennel, citrus, dandelion, artichoke, melissa, and chamomile.
Substantial experimental and clinical data support the digestive properties of these plants.

Conclusions:

Traditional plant use highlights the importance of digestive health interventions.
Bitter, aromatic, and pungent plant compounds are central to traditional digestive remedies.
Further research into these multifunctional plants can inform modern digestive health strategies.