An antioxidant compound produced by the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. Curcumin exhibits a wide array of beneficial health effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetes properties. It is responsible for the bright yellow pigment of turmeric, a type of spice commonly used in Indian food.

Biological responses to low-dose exposures to toxins or other stressors such as exercise, heat, cold, fasting, and xenohormetics. Hormetic responses are generally favorable and elicit a wide array of protective mechanisms. Examples of xenohormetic substances include plant polyphenols – molecules that plants produce in response to stress. Some evidence suggests plant polyphenols may have longevity-conferring effects when consumed in the diet.

A broad class of bioactive compounds present in plants. Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites; as such, their primary role is that of plant defense. When ingested by humans, phytochemicals serve as hormetic stressors that induce a wide range of cytoprotective activities that provide antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and longevity-promoting effects. Several classes of phytochemicals have been identified and include flavonoids, phenolic acids, isoflavones, isothiocyanates, stilbenes/lignans, and carotenoids, among others.

An isothiocyanate compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard. Sulforaphane is produced when the plant is damaged when attacked by insects or eaten by humans. It activates cytoprotective mechanisms within cells in a hormetic-type response. Sulforaphane has demonstrated beneficial effects against several chronic health conditions, including autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and others.