Plant-derived medicinal products are the most widely accepted and
recognized form of medicine in modern human civilization. Secondary metabolites are
bio-synthetically produced by plants from primary metabolites, and these
phytocompounds are the primary sources of herbal, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical
formulations. The medicinal and nutritional needs of these plants are found in various
phytomolecules that have specific biological actions on the human organ system.
Various traditional medicinal plants would be the best alternative source to obtain
quality and vital herbal formulations for treating and protecting against a variety of
diseases. The therapeutic plants of India possess a profound historical significance in
addressing a variety of health issues. Ethnobotanicals, along with their derivatives,
have demonstrated promising efficacy in the management of various diseases. The
intake of fruits, vegetables, and ethnomedicinal plants, as well as their derivatives,
offers substantial protection against these health conditions. This is attributed to the
high concentration of phytochemicals found in medicinal plants, including flavonoids,
tannins, terpenoids, polyphenols, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, chlorophyll,
carotenoids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other vital nutrients, all of which exhibit
potent antioxidant properties and various biological activities. It is estimated that
numerous Indian ethnic communities utilize over 7,500 distinct plant species for
medicinal purposes.
Keywords: Medicinal, Phytochemicals, Secondary metabolites, Therapeutic plants.
