Perspective on the Formation, Analysis, and Health Effects of Neuroactive Compounds in Foods.

Foods contain neuroactive compounds, such as γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, kynurenic acid, and catecholamines. Neuroactive compounds synthesized by humans have various behavioral and physiological roles. It is thus significant for future studies to investigate how diet-derived neuroactive compounds can impact human health and mood. In this perspective, we provide a background for the brief formation mechanisms of neuroactive compounds in plants and microorganisms, their concentrations in foods, and their potential health effects. Liquid chromatography approaches for the analysis of neuroactive compounds are highlighted, together with the extraction procedures. The possibilities for the design of novel foods containing neuroactive compounds are also discussed.