Abstract:

Phytic acid, also known as hexakisphosphoric acid, exists mainly in plant seeds where it serves as the main
storage form of phosphorous and minerals. In this review, the distribution, the negative anti-nutritional aspects (e.g.
inhibitions of nutritional element absorption, protein degradation, and starch and lipid degradation), and therapeutic effects
including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes of phytic acid are introduced, and
its degradation methods including several physical and biological methods are summarized. In the end, the recent progress in
research on several major incomplete degradation products is reviewed. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis
for promoting future comprehensive development and utilization of phytic acid-containing plant resources in China.

Key words: plant seeds, phytic acid, degradation methods, degradation products