Plants: Powerhouses of Secondary Metabolites

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19 Jan 2024

Secondary Metabolites

In order to keep humanity's lives and living standards at the highest level, plants create strong points of priority metabolic compounds, thanks to the substances they contain. In addition, structures that increase the country's income economically in the cosmetics industry, textile, food, chemistry, medicine and agricultural control sectors are inspired by plants.
These substances, classified according to biosynthesis pathways, are compounds that are produced by special production and destruction methods, from the intermediate products of primary production and degradation pathways.These are divided into 3 classes. These are shown in the table below.

Secondary metabolites are produced in the plant as a result of vital conditions and during stress from the environment. In fact, stress is applied to the plant during the preparation of secondary metabolites in the laboratory environment. While some of the secondary metabolites are produced in large quantities, the production of some remains limited and some metabolites are produced only in certain species. These compounds are generally found in certain organs of plants and are produced during a certain developmental period of the plant.
Secondary metabolites may function as a defense mechanism for plants and other organisms. For example, a plant may produce various compounds to repel harmful insects or develop resistance to pathogens.
Organisms can use secondary metabolites to compete with their environment and survive. These compounds can be produced to provide a competitive advantage over other organisms.
Secondary metabolites can help organisms develop resistance to various environmental stresses. This may include resistance to environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, cold.

What are the plants rich in secondary metabolites?
Ginkgo biloba: Contains terpenoids, flavonoids and ginkgolides. It has memory enhancing and antioxidant properties.
Echinacea purpurea: Contains phenolic acids, alkylamides and polysaccharides. It can help strengthen the immune system.
Papaver somniferum (Poppy): Contains alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. It has pain relieving properties.
Digitalis purpurea (Firewort): Contains cardiac glycosides. It is used in the treatment of heart failure.
Boswellia serrata (Indian gum tree): Contains Boswellic acid. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used for joint disorders.
Curcuma longa (Turmeric): Contains curcumin. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender): Contains linalool and linalyl acetate. It has soothing and antiseptic properties.
Mentha piperita (Mint): Contains menthol. It may help relieve digestive problems.
Allium sativum (Garlic): Contains allicin and ajoene. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme): Contains Thymol. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.