Medicinal Properties of Phytochemicals and their Production

Abstract

Phytochemicals are produced by plants as a defence mechanism against pathogens. They are used to treat various metabolic, immunological and neurological disorders in humans in various parts of the world as a part of traditional medicine. The use of indigenous plants in commercial medicine is rising with increasing population. The antimicrobial properties of plant extracts led to increased demands. Plant tissue culture on the other hand, has proved to be a reliable alternative for the production of bioactive compounds from plants. Artificial plant culture can enhance the production of phytochemicals in medicinal plants. This review focuses on the medicinal properties of phytochemicals and their in-vitro production.