These non-nutrient
plant chemical compounds or bioactive components are often referred to as phytochemicals
(‘phyto-‘ from Greek - phyto meaning ‘plant’) or phytoconstituents and are responsible for
protecting the plant against microbial infections or infestations by pests.
The study of natural products on the
other hand is called phytochemistry. Phytochemicals have been isolated and characterized
from fruits such as grapes and apples, vegetables such as broccoli and onion, spices such as
turmeric, beverages such as green tea and red wine, as well as many other sources
The science of application of these indigenous or local medicinal remedies including plants
for treatment of diseases is currently called ethno pharmacology but the practice dates back
since antiquity. Ethno pharmacology has been the mainstay of traditional medicines the