Perspectives of Using Northern Kazakhstan Plants in the Production of Functional Food Products

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study on the physicochemical composition, and mineral content of wild-growing raw materials from Northern Kazakhstan (sweet clover, St. John's wort, and purslane). It was established that this plant material contains a significant amount of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. The article includes results on the chemical composition assessment, including secondary metabolites, quality indicators, and safety of the initial plant raw materials. The biological activity of the aerial parts of sweet clover, St. John's wort, and purslane was studied. These studies open new opportunities for utilizing local plants in the food industry. Interest in functional and dietary nutrition supporting health and longevity is rapidly growing worldwide. Daily consumption of plant-based foods is recommended due to their high content of phytochemicals known as secondary metabolites, which positively affect health. These compounds possess antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties.