Status Natural Compounds of Medicinal Plants, Herbs, and Spices

Abstract

All life forms, including medicinal plants and herbs and spices (MPHSs), which are now known, are based on common natural organic compounds (NOCs) with similar biochemical properties. It has not been practically demonstrated that there is an alternative for obtaining the products of catabolism and anabolism reactions specific to biochemical metabolism. MPHSs produce an amazing variety of NOCs other than the known components of the main metabolism. Secondary compounds (SMs) are derived from the main classes, but are not essential for metabolism, hence their name as secondary or intermediate compounds of metabolism. They are NOCs that are not directly involved in the growth, development, or reproduction of organisms. Unlike primary metabolites, the lack of SMs does not lead to immediate death but rather to long-term impairment of the body, to the lack of more aesthetic properties, without any significant change in metabolism.