Optimization of Secondary Metabolites Production in Medicinal Plants

Plants have been globally known for their medicinal power in combating many diseases. The medicinal properties of plants depend upon the phytochemical components known as “secondary metabolites” produced in addition to the primary metabolites and in response to environmental stress. Due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects, secondary metabolites serve as one of the main sources of pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients. The increasing demand for these compounds by the drug and cosmetic industries has led to medicinal plants being overexploited and becoming endangered to the point of near-extinction. Plant biotechnology involving in vitro cell culture, adventitious root culture, and organ and tissue culture techniques can play a major role in producing secondary metabolites. The in vitro culture methods also allow for modifying the secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways, leading to higher levels of production. This chapter highlights the many applications of tissue culture techniques that can be used to attain enhanced production of plant secondary metabolites to meet industrial demands.