Journal de pharmacognosie et de produits naturels

Secondary Metabolites in Herbal Medicine Bridging Tradition and Science

Abstract

Kuntano Evens

Herbal medicine, rooted in centuries-old traditions, has long been a cornerstone of healthcare practices worldwide. Its efficacy and safety have been supported by anecdotal evidence and cultural heritage. Central to the potency of many herbal remedies are secondary metabolites— bioactive compounds produced by plants for various purposes, including defense against predators and environmental stresses. These secondary metabolites have garnered significant attention in recent years, not only for their therapeutic potential but also for their role in bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern scientific approaches. Secondary metabolites, also known as natural products, are organic compounds synthesized by plants, fungi and bacteria that are not essential for their primary metabolic processes but serve crucial ecological functions. These compounds exhibit a remarkable diversity in structure and function, ranging from alkaloids and terpenoids to flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Each class of secondary metabolites possesses unique chemical properties and biological activities, making them valuable resources for drug discovery and medicinal applications.