Plant secondary metabolites are plant-based natural products that display a variety of pharmacological effects. This book discusses the invaluable bioactivity and multifaceted potential of these compounds. The book describes the physico-chemical and biochemical aspects of the plant secondary metabolites along with the chemistry, therapeutics and future perspectives of these plant secondary metabolites. Moreover, the book also discusses about various sources of plant secondary metabolites, and the metabolite determination through various analytical techniques. It further describes the potential applications of plant secondary metabolites as anticancer and chemo preventive agents, their role as cosmetic ingredients and activity in skin cancer therapy. Further chapters emphasize upon the plethora of roles of plant secondary metabolites, including those as antivirals, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, cardioprotective agents etc. The book culminates with chapters on the impact of certain plant secondary metabolites in plant defence and human healthcare. This book is meant for researchers and students in the field of pharmacology and plant sciences. Moreover, this book is also useful for industry experts especially working in the field of herbal therapeutics.

Anil Kumar Sharma is a Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology at M.M. (Deemed to be University), Mullana (Ambala), Haryana, India, with a vast research experience of working as a Post-Doctoral Scientist [2003–2010] in the Micro and Immunology Department at UIC, Chicago, IL, USA. He worked in diverse scientific fields in the area of microbial, medical, and environmental biotechnology. He has published 165 articles in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals of international repute. He has more than 4920 citations [H-Index ~33; i10 index: 71; Cumulative IF ~336]. He has published 06 books and 30 chapters with Springer and well reputed other publishers. He has been felicitated with many awards for scientific excellence during his career such as International Adroit Scientist Award-2021, Abdul Kalam Azad Award-2018, BRICPL Eminent Scientist Award (2017 and 2018), Achiever Award-2017, Appreciation Award-2008 from UIC Illinois at Chicago, USA, MGIMS Young Scientist Award-2000, VCS Memorial Young Scientist Award-1999, etc. He has been enlisted in top 2% scientists working in the life sciences field as per the list recently released by Stanford University, California during 2019 & 2020, and has been on the editorial board of many international and national journals. 

Ajay Sharma is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Career Point University, Tikker-kharwarian, Hamirpur, HP, India, while previously at Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala (2014–2015). He also served as a teaching associate in the School of Studies in Chemicals Sales and Marketing Management, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, MP, India (2008–2010). His research focused on the development in the synthesis of heterocyclic organic compounds of different classes and natural metabolites through greener and conventional methods having pharmacological activity. He has also published more than 26 papers in peer-reviewed international and national journals and also authored/coauthored book chapters from reputed publishers. He is a member of many international scientific societies and organizations as well.