Mohd Abdul Gani

By Mohd Abdul Gani and Shama M

Phenolic compounds represent a group of molecules and its functions in the growth and development with a defense mechanism in plant. It includes pigments, signaling molecules, and flavors which will protect the plant against insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses and plays a role to attract or repulse them. This current chapter includes different aspect of phenolic compounds were discussed such as the definition, chemical properties, classification, the biosynthesis process of phenolic compounds, extraction technologies in plants also includes the shikimate, pentose phosphate and phenylpropanoid pathways. They were having many health benefits like UV screens, attractants, signal compounds, and other response chemicals from different types. As per the human physiology, they are vital in protection and plays an important role in prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases. It also acts as antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-proliferative activities, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. They are useful to eat such plant foods that contains high antioxidant content, which can hamper the incidence of certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers, through the management of oxidative stress. Overall the phenolic compounds are a gift of god in our day to day lives.

Part of the book: Bioactive Compounds