The study of Phytochemicals that are derived from plants is known as phytochemistry. Description of various metabolic compounds can be useful for understanding plant functionality. As these secondary metabolites are known to protect plants from insects and various diseases affecting plants phytochemical studies are important.
The extraction of phytochemicals and their isolation for use are common practices. The phytochemical properties of plants are helpful in treating medical conditions. With chromatography techniques the pure form of chemicals are extracted from these plants for commercial and medical purpose.
The widely used Chinese medicines involve these phytochemicals and same is with herbal treatment. The alkaloids, flavanoids, saponins, anthraquinones and volatile oils have been used since centuries as part of the currently developed phytochemistry. There have been wide developments in techniques for extraction and purification of these chemicals derived from plants.
The biologically active Chinese medicines involve compounds with properties related to phytochemistry. As the elements present in plants are not very different than that found in humans, the study of bioactive components is similar to regular isolation processes.
The compounds are searched thoroughly and analyzed. The control of good quality drugs is important to give 100% effective medicines related to phytochemistry. There are many alkaloids that have medicinal properties and can be used to treat wounds and bacterial infections. Insecticides, aromatic oils, perfumes, medicines, health and cosmetic products also involve detailed study of the phytochemicals.
As plant distribution is not same over the globe, composition and the quality of these chemicals vary considerably. The spices are also well known phytochemicals used on a regular basis. The essential compounds are known to benefit humans since a long time. This science of phytochemistry is being explored to varying lengths so we can get more information about the plants and related compounds.
The field of phytochemicals has been used widely in folk medicines, now it will form part of the contemporary medicine.