Secondary metabolites and their importance to the body / Os metabólitos secundários e sua importância para o organismo

Abstract

Since time immemorial, people began using plants as sources of curing some diseases or as a means to relieve pain. Until today it is still noticeable the use of plants in herbal medicine; due to that importance studies identify bioactive substances in medicinal plants, such substances are derived from the secondary metabolism of plants and have a high antioxidant potential, being able to prevent and inhibit the action of free radicals in the human organism. Thus, the aim of this work is to show the importance of the study of substances produced by the secondary metabolism (able to prevent some diseases) and demonstrate the action of each of these substances on the human organism. The methodology used for this work was a bibliographical nature, where it was possible to have access to scientific articles that They explained about the importance and the biological effect of secondary metabolites. Based on the survey of the different groups and their metabolic effects in the body were identified. Among the most abundant polyphenols are divorced metabolic or phenolic compounds which have numerous biological effects (sequestration of free radicals, inhibition of cell proliferation, as well as its potential as an antibiotic, ant allergic and anti-inflammatory agent). Additionally, bioactive compounds have roles in reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Given the above, this literature has shown how important the study of bioactive compounds in health promotion

Keywords

• antioxidant
• bioactive substances
• biological action