Therapeutic Phytoconstituents-I

Phytoconstituents are compounds present in plants which performs various functions to protect plant’s vitality. Besides awarding tremendous benefits to plants, phytoconstituents also provides several benefits to human beings. There are two types of metabolites synthesized in plants, primary and secondary. Primary metabolites are essential for the growth and development of the plant while secondary metabolites play important role in plant defence. These secondary metabolites or phytochemicals are used as drugs, detoxifying agents, flavourings, cardioprotective agents, antioxidants, anti-cancer agents, antimicrobial agent etc. phytoconstituents play a significant role in the secondary metabolism of plants. They only exist in trace amounts and typically have pharmacological effects. They have health promoting properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and disease preventing properties too. Moreover, they also serve as attractants for pollinators and seed-dispersing agents. Major classes of secondary metabolites are terpenes, phenolic compounds, glycosides and alkaloids. Phenolic compounds are the largest group of phytoconstituents.