Deciphering Abiotic and Biotic Stress Effects on Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Plants

Since plants are immobile, they are constantly subjected to shifting environmental circumstances. Due to their sessile nature, plants have developed defence mechanisms, which include changing their morphology and producing chemical substances to help them survive. These chemical substances are called plant secondary metabolites. Plant tissues’ ability to produce and accumulate secondary metabolites depends on abiotic (such as soil and climate) and biotic (such as microbes and herbivores). These substances improve plants’ ability to withstand environmental stressors and to survive. Research on secondary metabolites is an important bridge between fields such as plant physiology, ecology, biochemistry, systematics, mycology, and phycology. These secondary metabolites are typically responsible for the therapeutic capabilities of plant species. Despite the enormous significance of these metabolites for plant survival and ability to adapt to stressful environments, very little is known about how climate and environmental factors affect the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants. This chapter aims to narrow the gap and aid in creating strategies for the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants by offering up-to-date information on the effects of abiotic and biotic stress on secondary metabolites of beneficial plants.