Secondary metabolites in sorghum and its characteristics

Abstract

Humans can use specific secondary metabolites as antioxidants or medicinal raw materials. Each plant has different secondary metabolites and a unique structure. Similarly, secondary metabolites were found in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). This paper aims to describe the types, characteristics, and benefits of secondary metabolites found in sorghum plants. The results of phytochemical screening showed that sorghum contains several secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. Epidemiological studies show that consuming plants rich in polyphenolic compounds reduces the rate of heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal tract, neurological disease, liver disease, atherosclerosis, and obesity. Flavonoids are one of the phenol groups. Phenolic compounds have potential antioxidant activity and some of them be more effective than vitamins C, E, and carotenoids. Antioxidants are believed to have a role in reducing oxidative stress which plays a role in the development of chronic degenerative diseases including heart disease, cancer, and premature aging. Alkaloids are a group of compounds containing aromatic nitrogen. Alkaloids in the health sector are used as anti-tumor, antipyretic (fever-reducing), anti-pain (analgesic), stimulating the nervous system, raising and lowering blood pressure, and fighting microbial infections.

Keywords:
secondary metabolites; sorghum; characteristics; benefits