Functional food development: Insights from TRP channels

The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels comprise a large family of ion channels that control a vast array of cellular functions. Growing evidence has demonstrated that a diversity of bioactive components from foods activate or inhibit different types of TRP channels, and interfere with related pathophysiological processes. This review highlights current advances in finding various bioactive components from foods that target TRP channels, and ends with comments on the potential of functional foods that target TRP channels. Furthermore, some types of TRP-related functional food products currently on the market are discussed.