Secondary plant substances

Secondary plant compounds" are chemical compounds that have no function in the primary metabolism of plants, nor in the metabolism of plants that builds up or breaks down substances. Secondary plant substances are only formed in certain organs, cells or tissues of the plant that possess suitable enzymes. Their formation usually takes place during certain developmental phases of the plant.

The secondary plant substances have very different chemical structures: polyphenols, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, sulfides, 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 over important functions in the course of evolution (hormones of plants, scents and dyes as attractants for insects, etc.).