Table 3 An overview of medicinal plants secondary metabolites
From: Combating antibiotic resistance in a one health context: a plethora of frontiers
Secondary metabolite (SM) | Characteristics | Sub-category of SM | Uses | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phenols | Probably constitute the largest group of plant SMs, They share the presence of one or more phenol groups as a common feature and range from simple structures with one aromatic ring to highly complex polymeric substances Widespread in plants and contribute significantly to the color, taste and flavor of many herbs, foods and drinks | Quercetin | Anti-inflammatory | |
Flavonoids | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, anti-tumor | |||
Gallic acid, Phenol | Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-anaphylactic, antiseptic, anti-mutagenic, choleretic and bronchodilatory actions | |||
Tannin | Anti-diarrhea, antidote, antiseptic | [156] | ||
Coumarin | Anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticancer and anti-Alzheimer’s | [157] | ||
Alkaloids | Organic compounds with at least one nitrogen atom in a heterocyclic ring. Except for the fact that they are all nitrogen-containing compounds, no general definition fits all alkaloids. Many are toxic to animals to cause death if eaten | Aromatics, Carbolines, Ergots, Imidazoles, Pyridines, Purines, Quinolines, Piperidines, etc. | Analgesia, local anesthesia, cardiac stimulation, respiratory stimulation and relaxation, vasoconstriction muscle relaxation and toxicity, as well as antineoplastic, hypertensive and hypotensive properties. antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral | |
Saponins | This hydrophobic-hydrophilic asymmetry means that these compounds have the ability to lower surface tension and are soap-like. They form foam in aqueous solutions and cause hemolysis of blood erythrocytes in vitro. | Pentoses, Hexoses, or Uronic acids | Antitumor, piscicidal, molluscicidal, spermicidal, sedative, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. | [150] |
Terpenes | Most diverse group of plant SMs All forms are derived chemically from 5-carbon isoprene units assembled in different ways Classified according to the number of isoprene units in the molecule | Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, Sesterterpenes, Hemiterpenes, Diterpenes Triterpenes | Anti-hemorrhagic, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and antiprotozoal activities, anti-rheumatics | |
Lipids | Major structural components of all biological membranes Source of energy reservoirs and fuel for cellular activities in addition to being vitamins and hormones Although lipids are primary metabolites, recent studies revealed pharmacological activities to members of this class of SMs | Fixed oils, Waxes, Essential oils, Sterols, Fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), Phospholipids and others | Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, wound healing activities, antiseptic, antimicrobial, analgesic, sedative, spasmolytic and locally anesthetic remedies. They are also used as fragrances in embalmment, as sunscreens, moisturizer and in food preservation | |
Carbohydrates | Starter for all SMs and animal biochemical. Although carbohydrates are primary metabolites, they are incorporated in plenty of SMs through glycosidation linkages. Polymers of simple sugars and uronic acids produce mucilage and gums | Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides | Demulcent, emollient |