Phytohormones, or plant hormones, are vital organic compounds that regulate plant growth, development, and environmental responses. Recent research has shown that phytohormones like auxins, cytokinin, gibberellins, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, and salicylic acid may also positively impact human metabolism and overall health. Humans are exposed to these hormones primarily through the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and emerging studies suggest they may influence human metabolic pathways. This review explores the mechanisms by which each phytohormone functions in plants and examines its potential impact on human health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, glucose regulatory, and cardiovascular benefits. For instance, ABA improves insulin sensitivity, contributing to diabetes management, while jasmonates and brassinosteroids exhibit anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Salicylic acid further contributes to cardiovascular health by attenuating inflammatory responses and inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of thrombotic events. Potential therapeutic applications of phytohormones include cancer prevention, diabetes management, cardiovascular support, bone health, and detoxification. However, challenges remain in understanding their bioavailability, optimal dosages, and safety profiles for human use. Furthermore, while initial investigations have yielded promising results, additional large-scale human clinical trials are indispensable to definitively establish efficacy and formulate evidence-based therapeutic protocols. This review emphasizes the potential of phytohormones as natural agents for enhancing metabolic health and provides insights into future research directions needed to integrate these plant-derived compounds into human nutrition and medicine.

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1. Abeles FB, Morgan PW, Saltveit ME. Ethylene in plant biology. Academic Press; 1992.
2. Arif Y, Sami F, Siddiqui H, Bajguz A, Hayat S. Salicylic acid in relation to other phytohormones in plant: A study towards physiology and signal transduction under challenging environment. Environ Exp Bot. 2020;123(1):112–125. doi: 10.1016/j.envexpbot.2020.104040.
3. Bajguz A, Hayat S. Effects of brassinosteroids on the plant responses to environmental stresses. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 2009;47(1):1–8.
4. Bajguz A, Hayat S. Effects of brassinosteroids on the plant responses to environmental stresses. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2009;47(1):1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2008.10.002.
5. Bassaganya-Riera, J, et al. Mechanisms of action and potential health benefits of abscisic acid in humans. Nutrition Reviews. 2011;69(2):135–145.
6. Bassaganya-Riera J, Skoneczka JA, Kingston DGI, Krishnan A, Misyak S, Guri AJ, et al. Mechanisms of action and potential health benefits of abscisic acid in humans. Nutr Rev. 2011;69(2):135–145.
7. Bleecker AB, Kende H. Ethylene: a gaseous signal molecule in plants. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2000:16:1–18. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.16.1.1.
8. Cassidy A, Hanley B. Isoflavones, lignans, and stilbenes–origins, metabolism, and potential importance to human health. J Sci Food Agric. 2000;80(7):1044–1059. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0010(20000515)80:7<1044::AID-JSFA586>3.0.CO;2-N.
9. Clouse SD, Sasse JM. Brassinosteroids: essential regulators of plant growth and development. Annu Rev Plant Physiol Plant Mol Biol. 1998:49:427–451. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.49.1.427.
10. Cutler SR, et al. Abscisic acid: emergence of a core signaling network. Annual Review of Plant Biology. 2010;61:651–679.
11. Cutler SR, Rodriguez PL, Finkelstein RR, Abrams SR. Abscisic acid: emergence of a core signaling network. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2010:61:651–679. doi: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042809-112122.
12. Davies PJ. (Ed.). Plant Hormones: Biosynthesis, Signal Transduction, Action! Springer; 2010.
13. Draelos ZD. Antioxidant-based dermatologic formulations. Clin Dermatol. 2010;27(5):501–506.
14. Duursen MBM. Modulation of estrogen synthesis and metabolism by phytoestrogens in vitro and the implications for women’s health. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2017;6(6):772–794. doi: 10.1039/c7tx00184c.
15. Fathy M, Saad Eldin SM, Naseem M, Dandekar T. Cytokinins: Wide-spread signaling hormones from plants to humans with high medical potential. Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1495. doi: 10.3390/nu14071495.
16. Flescher E. Jasmonates in cancer therapy. Cancer Letters. 2007;245(1–2):1–10.
17. Flescher E. Jasmonates in cancer therapy. Cancer Lett. 2007;245(1-2):1–10. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.03.001.
18. Guri AJ, et al. .
19. Harberd NP, Belfield E, Yasumura Y. The angiosperm gibberellin-GID1-DELLA growth regulatory mechanism: How an “inhibitor of an inhibitor” enables flexible response to fluctuating environments. Plant Cell. 2009;21(5):1328–1339. doi: 10.1105/tpc.109.066969.
20. Howe GA, Jander G. Plant immunity to insect herbivores. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2008:59:41–66. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.59.032607.092825.
21. Kieber JJ, Schaller GE. Cytokinin signaling in plant development. Development. 2018;145(4):dev149344. doi: 10.1242/dev.149344.
22. Krishna, P. Brassinosteroid-mediated stress responses. J Plant Growth Regul. 2003;22(4):289–297. doi: 10.1007/s00344-003-0058-z.
23. Krishna, P. Brassinosteroid-mediated stress responses. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. 2003;22(4):289–297.
24. Leyser O. Auxin signaling. Plant Physiol. 2018;176(1):465–479. doi: 10.1104/pp.17.00765.
25. Magnone M, Ameri P, Salis A, Andraghetti G, Emionite L, Murialdo G, et al. Abscisic acid: A new player in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance? J Diabetes Res. 2015;2015:1–9.
26. Magnone, M., et al. Abscisic acid: A new player in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance? Journal of Diabetes Research. 2015:1–9.
27. Medzhitov R. Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature. 2008;454(7203):428–435. doi: 10.1038/nature07201.
28. Mok MC, Mok DW. Cytokinin metabolism and action. Annu Rev Plant Physiol Plant Mol Biol. 2001:52:89–118. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.52.1.89.
29. Patrono C., et al. Low-dose aspirin for the prevention of atherothrombosis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(22):2373–2383.
30. Patrono C, García Rodríguez LA, Landolfi R, Baigent C. Low-dose aspirin for the prevention of atherothrombosis. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(22):2373–2383. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra052717.
31. Rattan SI, Sodagam L. Gerontomodulatory and youth-preserving effects of kinetin. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005;1057(1):470–479.
32. Sakakibara H. Cytokinins: Activity, biosynthesis, and translocation. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2006:57:431–449. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.57.032905.105231.
33. Saltveit ME. Effect of ethylene on quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Biol Technol. 1993;15(3):279–292. doi: 1016/S0925-5214(98)00091-X.
34. Vanneste S, Friml J. Auxin: A trigger for change in plant development. Cell. 2009;136(6):1005–1016. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.03.001.
35. Yang B, Dong Y, Yang F, Zhang Y. Nanoformulations to enhance the bioavailability and physiological functions of polyphenols. Molecules. 2020;25(20):4613. doi: 10.3390/molecules25204613.
36. Wasternack C, Hause B. Jasmonates: Biosynthesis, perception, signal transduction, and action in plant stress response, growth, and development. An Update to the 2007 Review in Annals of Botany. Ann Bot. 2013;111(6):1021–1058. doi: 10.1093/aob/mct067.
37. Woodward AW, Bartel B. Auxin: Regulation, action, and interaction. Ann Bot. 2005;95(5):707–735. doi: 10.1093/aob/mci083.
38. Yamaguchi S. Gibberellin metabolism and its regulation. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2008:59:225-251. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.59.032607.092804.
39. Zhu JY, Sae-Seaw J, Wang ZY. Brassinosteroid signalling. Development. 2013;140(8):1615-1620. doi: 10.1242/dev.060590.
40. Kim JY, Park Y, Lee SH, Park EJ, Lee HJ. Comparative study on estrogen receptor alpha dimerization and transcriptional activity of parabens. Toxicol Res. 2024;40(1):153–161. doi: 10.1007/s43188-023-00212-1.

Phytohormones, or plant hormones, are vital organic compounds that regulate plant growth, development, and environmental responses. Recent research has shown that phytohormones like auxins, cytokinin, gibberellins, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, and salicylic acid may also positively impact human metabolism and overall health. Humans are exposed to these hormones primarily through the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and emerging studies suggest they may influence human metabolic pathways. This review explores the mechanisms by which each phytohormone functions in plants and examines its potential impact on human health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, glucose regulatory, and cardiovascular benefits. For instance, ABA improves insulin sensitivity, contributing to diabetes management, while jasmonates and brassinosteroids exhibit anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Salicylic acid further contributes to cardiovascular health by attenuating inflammatory responses and inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of thrombotic events. Potential therapeutic applications of phytohormones include cancer prevention, diabetes management, cardiovascular support, bone health, and detoxification. However, challenges remain in understanding their bioavailability, optimal dosages, and safety profiles for human use. Furthermore, while initial investigations have yielded promising results, additional large-scale human clinical trials are indispensable to definitively establish efficacy and formulate evidence-based therapeutic protocols. This review emphasizes the potential of phytohormones as natural agents for enhancing metabolic health and provides insights into future research directions needed to integrate these plant-derived compounds into human nutrition and medicine.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Abeles FB, Morgan PW, Saltveit ME. Ethylene in plant biology. Academic Press; 1992.
2. Arif Y, Sami F, Siddiqui H, Bajguz A, Hayat S. Salicylic acid in relation to other phytohormones in plant: A study towards physiology and signal transduction under challenging environment. Environ Exp Bot. 2020;123(1):112–125. doi: 10.1016/j.envexpbot.2020.104040.
3. Bajguz A, Hayat S. Effects of brassinosteroids on the plant responses to environmental stresses. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 2009;47(1):1–8.
4. Bajguz A, Hayat S. Effects of brassinosteroids on the plant responses to environmental stresses. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2009;47(1):1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2008.10.002.
5. Bassaganya-Riera, J, et al. Mechanisms of action and potential health benefits of abscisic acid in humans. Nutrition Reviews. 2011;69(2):135–145.
6. Bassaganya-Riera J, Skoneczka JA, Kingston DGI, Krishnan A, Misyak S, Guri AJ, et al. Mechanisms of action and potential health benefits of abscisic acid in humans. Nutr Rev. 2011;69(2):135–145.
7. Bleecker AB, Kende H. Ethylene: a gaseous signal molecule in plants. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2000:16:1–18. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.16.1.1.
8. Cassidy A, Hanley B. Isoflavones, lignans, and stilbenes–origins, metabolism, and potential importance to human health. J Sci Food Agric. 2000;80(7):1044–1059. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0010(20000515)80:7<1044::AID-JSFA586>3.0.CO;2-N.
9. Clouse SD, Sasse JM. Brassinosteroids: essential regulators of plant growth and development. Annu Rev Plant Physiol Plant Mol Biol. 1998:49:427–451. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.49.1.427.
10. Cutler SR, et al. Abscisic acid: emergence of a core signaling network. Annual Review of Plant Biology. 2010;61:651–679.
11. Cutler SR, Rodriguez PL, Finkelstein RR, Abrams SR. Abscisic acid: emergence of a core signaling network. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2010:61:651–679. doi: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042809-112122.
12. Davies PJ. (Ed.). Plant Hormones: Biosynthesis, Signal Transduction, Action! Springer; 2010.
13. Draelos ZD. Antioxidant-based dermatologic formulations. Clin Dermatol. 2010;27(5):501–506.
14. Duursen MBM. Modulation of estrogen synthesis and metabolism by phytoestrogens in vitro and the implications for women’s health. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2017;6(6):772–794. doi: 10.1039/c7tx00184c.
15. Fathy M, Saad Eldin SM, Naseem M, Dandekar T. Cytokinins: Wide-spread signaling hormones from plants to humans with high medical potential. Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1495. doi: 10.3390/nu14071495.
16. Flescher E. Jasmonates in cancer therapy. Cancer Letters. 2007;245(1–2):1–10.
17. Flescher E. Jasmonates in cancer therapy. Cancer Lett. 2007;245(1-2):1–10. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.03.001.
18. Guri AJ, et al. .
19. Harberd NP, Belfield E, Yasumura Y. The angiosperm gibberellin-GID1-DELLA growth regulatory mechanism: How an “inhibitor of an inhibitor” enables flexible response to fluctuating environments. Plant Cell. 2009;21(5):1328–1339. doi: 10.1105/tpc.109.066969.
20. Howe GA, Jander G. Plant immunity to insect herbivores. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2008:59:41–66. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.59.032607.092825.
21. Kieber JJ, Schaller GE. Cytokinin signaling in plant development. Development. 2018;145(4):dev149344. doi: 10.1242/dev.149344.
22. Krishna, P. Brassinosteroid-mediated stress responses. J Plant Growth Regul. 2003;22(4):289–297. doi: 10.1007/s00344-003-0058-z.
23. Krishna, P. Brassinosteroid-mediated stress responses. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. 2003;22(4):289–297.
24. Leyser O. Auxin signaling. Plant Physiol. 2018;176(1):465–479. doi: 10.1104/pp.17.00765.
25. Magnone M, Ameri P, Salis A, Andraghetti G, Emionite L, Murialdo G, et al. Abscisic acid: A new player in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance? J Diabetes Res. 2015;2015:1–9.
26. Magnone, M., et al. Abscisic acid: A new player in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance? Journal of Diabetes Research. 2015:1–9.
27. Medzhitov R. Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature. 2008;454(7203):428–435. doi: 10.1038/nature07201.
28. Mok MC, Mok DW. Cytokinin metabolism and action. Annu Rev Plant Physiol Plant Mol Biol. 2001:52:89–118. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.52.1.89.
29. Patrono C., et al. Low-dose aspirin for the prevention of atherothrombosis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(22):2373–2383.
30. Patrono C, García Rodríguez LA, Landolfi R, Baigent C. Low-dose aspirin for the prevention of atherothrombosis. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(22):2373–2383. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra052717.
31. Rattan SI, Sodagam L. Gerontomodulatory and youth-preserving effects of kinetin. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005;1057(1):470–479.
32. Sakakibara H. Cytokinins: Activity, biosynthesis, and translocation. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2006:57:431–449. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.57.032905.105231.
33. Saltveit ME. Effect of ethylene on quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Biol Technol. 1993;15(3):279–292. doi: 1016/S0925-5214(98)00091-X.
34. Vanneste S, Friml J. Auxin: A trigger for change in plant development. Cell. 2009;136(6):1005–1016. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.03.001.
35. Yang B, Dong Y, Yang F, Zhang Y. Nanoformulations to enhance the bioavailability and physiological functions of polyphenols. Molecules. 2020;25(20):4613. doi: 10.3390/molecules25204613.
36. Wasternack C, Hause B. Jasmonates: Biosynthesis, perception, signal transduction, and action in plant stress response, growth, and development. An Update to the 2007 Review in Annals of Botany. Ann Bot. 2013;111(6):1021–1058. doi: 10.1093/aob/mct067.
37. Woodward AW, Bartel B. Auxin: Regulation, action, and interaction. Ann Bot. 2005;95(5):707–735. doi: 10.1093/aob/mci083.
38. Yamaguchi S. Gibberellin metabolism and its regulation. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2008:59:225-251. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.59.032607.092804.
39. Zhu JY, Sae-Seaw J, Wang ZY. Brassinosteroid signalling. Development. 2013;140(8):1615-1620. doi: 10.1242/dev.060590.
40. Kim JY, Park Y, Lee SH, Park EJ, Lee HJ. Comparative study on estrogen receptor alpha dimerization and transcriptional activity of parabens. Toxicol Res. 2024;40(1):153–161. doi: 10.1007/s43188-023-00212-1.