Secondary plant substances

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

Last updated on: 11.02.2025

Synonym(s)

secondary metabolites; Secondary metabolites; secondary metabolites (engl.)

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Secondary plant substances" are chemical compounds that have no function in the primary metabolism of plants, nor in the anabolic or degradative plant metabolism. Secondary plant substances are only formed in certain organs, cells or tissues of the plant that have suitable enzymes. They are generally formed during certain phases of the plant's development.

The secondary plant substances have very different chemical structures: polyphenols, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, sulphides, monoterpenes, saponins, protease inhibitors, phytosterols and lectins. In addition, chlorophyll and phytic acid.

They are not essential for the plant that produces them, but may have taken on important functions in the course of evolution (hormones of plants, fragrances and colorants as attractants for insects, etc.).

Authors

Last updated on: 11.02.2025

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles