Abstract
Plants produce specific structures constituting barriers, hindering the penetration of pathogens, while they also produce substances inhibiting pathogen growth. These compounds are secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, resins, tannins and alkaloids. Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites from trees and shrubs and are used in medicine, herbal medicine and cosmetology. To date, fruits and flowers of exotic trees and shrubs have been primarily used as sources of bioactive compounds. In turn, the search for new sources of bioactive compounds is currently focused on native plant species due to their availability. The application of such raw materials needs to be based on knowledge of their chemical composition, particularly health-promoting or therapeutic compounds. Research conducted to date on European trees and shrubs has been scarce. This paper presents the results of literature studies conducted to systematise the knowledge on phenolic compounds found in trees and shrubs native to central Europe. The aim of this review is to provide available information on the subject and to indicate gaps in the present knowledge.
Highlights
Tree stands are exposed to the action of stress factors, both abiotic and biotic
Polyphenols were the group of compounds considered to be the basic factor of the non-enzymatic plant immune mechanism
Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites varying greatly in terms of their structure and molecular mass, as well as their physical, biological and chemical properties. They are found in all plant parts, i.e., flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, bark and lignified parts [25]
Summary
Tree stands are exposed to the action of stress factors, both abiotic and biotic. The former include weather anomalies, UV radiation, intensive lighting, water deficits, substrate salinity, high temperature amplitudes and the presence of heavy metals. Trees counter stressors by initiating defence mechanisms to minimise or eliminate disturbances in growth and development. They are related to the consumption of energy and assimilates, the limited production of biomass, its disadvantageous allocation, as well as reduced reproduction. The action of biotic stressors is mainly connected with trees and woody plants entering into symbiosis with antagonists of pathogens and insects, etc
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