The phenolic compounds from plants have a significant role in human diet as antioxidants. Their main sources are fruits, vegetables and beverages etc. However, by-products from food and agriculture also have valuable amounts of phenolic antioxidants. These phenolic compounds are effective in curing of many diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, contagious, viral and inflammatory diseases.

Asphaltum is produced by the decomposition of plants on rock’s surface; the secretions of plants i.e. latex, gums and resins. An unprocessed asphaltum may contain fulvic acid, humic acid, amino acid, essential fatty acids, gums proteins, waxes, steroids, and vitamins. It also contains plenty of calcium and trace amounts of aluminum, magnesium, potassium, and iron, etc. Asphaltum has so many therapeutic applications because of its two major and primary compounds i.e. fulvic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones.