Question

Answer the following question.

How do secondary metabolites useful for mankind?

Answer 1

1. Drugs developed from secondary metabolites have been used to treat infectious diseases, cancer, hypertension, and inflammation.
2. Morphine, the first alkaloid isolated from Papaver somniferum is used as a pain reliver and cough suppressant.
3. Secondary metabolites like alkaloids, nicotine, cocaine and the terpenes, cannabinol are widely used for recreation and stimulation.
4. Flavours of secondary metabolites improve our food preferences.
5. Tannins are added to wines and chocolate for improving astringency.
6. Since most secondary metabolites have antibiotic property, they are also used as food preservatives.
7. Glucosinolates is a secondary metabolite which is naturally present in cabbage imparts a characteristic flavour and aroma because of nitrogen and sulphur–containing chemicals. It also offers protection to these plants from many pests.