ABSTRACT
The word phytochemical is derived from phyto or plant. Its study involves understanding the chemical composition of plants used in medicine. Phytochemicals produced in plants are secondary compounds responsible for metabolic activities and defense purposes. Phytochemicals are produced by specific biochemical pathways, which occur inside the plant cells. Phytochemicals can range from medicinally useful agents to deadly poisons. A number of phytochemicals isolated from plant material are used in the pharmaceutical drug industry today.
