Bioactivity of the phenolic compounds in higher plants

Abstract

Abstract Phenylpropanoid compounds encompass a wide range of structural classes and biological functions. Among plant polyphenols, of whichseveral thousand have now been described, flavonoids form the largest group. However, phenolic quinones, lignans, xanthones, coumarins and other groups exist in considerable numbers and there are also many simple monocyclic phenolics. In this review, we examine the principal biosynthetic pathway of phenolic compounds in higher plants, and we define the different enzymes responsible for the regulation of phenolic metabolism. The central focus, however, is on the different factors, both biotic and abiotic, which influence the synthesis or degradation of phenolic compounds (bioactivity), analysing the physiological and ecological implications of these compounds in the adaptation by plants to adverse conditions. Finally, we related bioactivity of phenolic compounds with the appearance of physiological disorders in different crops.