Phytoalexin was first introduced by Muller and Boger after they observing the

infection of potato. Phytoalexin is a substance that is produced by plant tissues. It is in

response to contact with a parasite and that specifically inhibits the growth of that
parasite. Phytoalexin is a defense substance and an antimicrobial substance that is
synthesized by plants that accumulate rapidly at area of the pathogen infection.
Activation of particular sets of genes involved in phytoalexin biosynthesis will be
affect the production of phytoalexins. They includes various groups such as
terpenoids, glycosteroids and alkaloids.

The plants of the family Poaceae are the most geographically widespread and
stand out for their economic importance. This kind of plants are stands out for having
a variety of phytoalexins, which can be synthesized via the shikimic acid that is
phenylpropanoids, or mevalonic acid, that is being considered terpenoid
phytoalexins.

Phytoalexins can be identified in several plant families such as Brassicaceae or

cabbage family, Fabaceae or legume , and Poaceae or grasses. Phytoalexin that are
produced in plants will acts as toxins to the attacking organism. It will disrupt
metabolism, delay the maturation and also prevent reproduction in pathogen.

Phytoalexin are believe to have health effect in human. Some of them are
reported to exert antioxidants, anti carcinogenic and also cardiovascular protective
tissue. Natural phytoalexins are obtain from olive oil exerts a wide range of biological
activities as an anti tumor, anti parasitic and many more.

Stillbenoids are secondary products that can acts as phytoalexins. It is

hydroxylated derivative of stillbene. They are belong to the family phenylpropanoids
and also share most of their pathway with chalcones. An example of stillbenoid is
resveratrol that are found in skin of red grapes. It is suggested to have many health
benefits. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin that are produces by several plants. It is sold as
nutritional supplement because it have beneficial in human health such as anti viral
and anti cancer. Sources of resveratrol in food include the skin
of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and mulberries.
Synthesis of phytoalexin in response to pathogen attack can be modified with the
influence of various factors as temperature, humidity and water availability.
(Mikkelsen et al., 2003) states, several parts of the plant can produce phytoalexins
such as leaves, flowers, stems, seeds and root tubers.
 ASSIGNMENT
Natural Product Chemistry
STK 3043

Name : AIZATUL AISHAH BINTI AZMAN

Matric No. : 40463
Lecturer : Dr. Mohd Razip Bin Asaruddin
Title : Phytoalexin
Group :3