Phytases and their pharmaceutical applications: Mini-review

Abstract

Phytate (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) is considered as the main source of phosphorous in plants, although it also occurs predominantly in legumes, oilseeds and cereal grains. The non-hydrolyzed phytate when it comes to the excreta of animals as an undigested part of their feed enhanced the level of phosphorous in natural environments and contributes to the accumulation of phosphorus and finally causes the pollution like eutrophication, and greenhouse gases emission. Phytases (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate hydrolases) are very important biocatalysts and significantly use in the animal feed industry to convert phytate to inorganic phosphorous. Many review articles on phytases are available in the literature but very less information is present on their pharmaceutical importance. The present article is describing the role of phytases in controlling diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and ceasing of stone formation in kidneys, inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and heavy metal toxicities, human and animal nutrition as well. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd