Secondary phytochemicals

Secondary plant compounds are produced in special cells of the plant. They differ from primary plant compounds in that they are not directly essential for the plant’s survival. However, they help plants in various ways: in defending against predators, in keeping bacteria and fungi at bay (e.g. tannins), as pigments to attract insects (e.g. flavonoids, carotenoids), in protecting against UV rays (e.g. anthocyanins), in strengthening plant tissue (lignin) and in flavour formation. The term “secondary plant compounds” encompasses a wide variety of substances. The three main groups are terpenes (e.g. carotenes), phenols (e.g. flavonoids) and alkaloids.

Humans use such secondary plant compounds in spices, beverages (e.g. cocoa, red wine) as natural colourings and frequently to support wellbeing. In nutrition – including for horses – the valuable polyphenols are particularly well known, namely the many plant pigments with antioxidant properties.