Phytochemistry

Phytochemistry is the study of phytochemicals, which are chemicals derived from plants. Those studying phytochemistry strive to describe the structures of the large number of secondary metabolic compounds found in plants, the functions of these compounds in human and plant biology, and the biosynthesis of these compounds. Plants synthesize phytochemicals for many reasons, including to protect themselves against insect attacks and plant diseases. Phytochemicals in food plants are often active in human biology, and in many cases have health benefits.

The compounds found in plants are of many kinds, but most are in four major biochemicals classes: alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, and terpenes. Phytochemistry can be considered sub-fields of botany or chemistry. Activities can be led in botanical gardens or in the wild with the aid of ethnobotanical guides and ethnobotany field manuals. A botanist, plant scientist or phytologist is a scientist who specialises in this field.

History

The term "phytochemistry" was coined in the late 19th century by the German physician and botanist, Hermann Emil Fischer. It is derived from the Greek words phyton, meaning "plant", and chemistry. The concept has been used in the pharmaceutical and food industries for centuries.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are chemicals produced by plants through primary or secondary metabolism. They generally have biological activity in the plant host and play a role in plant growth or defense against competitors, pathogens, or predators.

Biochemistry of plants

Most phytochemicals have defensive functions in the plant, such as protection against insect attacks, fungal infection, and UV radiation. The majority of these compounds are currently classified as secondary metabolites. This term applies to a large group of molecules that have diverse structures, functions, and biosynthesis pathways. Some compounds that are biosynthesized by plants in relatively large quantities, such as cellulose and other carbohydrates, are often not included in the term secondary metabolite but are referred to as primary metabolites.

See also

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacognosy
• Chemotaxonomy
• Plant physiology
• Herbalism
• Medicinal plants
• Secondary metabolites
• Natural product

External links

• Phytochemicals
• Phytochemistry Society of North America
• Phytochemical Society of Europe

Phytochemistry Resources
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