A perspective review on the biosynthesis of plant-based secondary metabolites and their application as potent drugs

Many phytochemicals and their derived metabolites produced by plants are extensively employed in commercial goods, pharmaceutical products as well as in the environmental and medical fields. However, these secondary metabolites obtained from plants are in low amounts, and it is difficult to synthesize them at the industrial level. Despite these challenges, they may be utilized for a variety of medicinal products that are either available in the market or are being researched and tested. Secondary metabolites are complex compounds that exhibit chirality. Further, under controlled conditions with elicitors, desired secondary metabolites may be produced from plant cell cultures. This review emphasizes the various aspects of secondary metabolites including their types, synthesis, and applications as medicinal products. The article aims to promote the use of plant secondary metabolites in the management and treatment of various diseases.