Medicinal plants' diverse and multifaceted pharmacological effects are primarily based on their phytochemical components. These components are generally divided into two groups based on their involvement in basic metabolic processes: primary and secondary metabolites. Primary plant metabolites are involved in essential life functions and are fairly consistent in all living cells. Conversely, secondary plant metabolites are the products of auxiliary pathways, such as the shikimic acid pathway. In the study of the medicinal properties of herbs, secondary plant metabolites are the focus of attention. These compounds have played an important role in traditional and folk medicine in alleviating various ailments. A good understanding of the chemical composition of plants leads to a better appreciation of their potential medicinal value. Secondary metabolites of plants are numerous chemical compounds produced by plant cells through metabolic pathways derived from primary metabolic pathways. Each plant family, genus and species produces a specific mixture of these secondary metabolites, sometimes contributing to the taxonomic classification of plants. In modern medicine, they have served as starting points for developing drugs to treat a wide range of conditions. Secondary plant metabolites are classified into different classes based on their chemical structures. In this review, we will explore the different categories of plant secondary metabolites, their localisation in the plant, their biosynthesis and their significant bioactivities.

secondary metabolites, phenolics, terpenes, alkaloids, biosynthetic pathway

biology

Presentation: poster