Elicitors and Secondary Metabolite Production: Review on Mechanisms, Applications, and Perspectives

Muhie, Seid Hussen; Teshome, Abdushakir Seid

doi:10.22059/ijhst.2025.387387.993

Elicitors and Secondary Metabolite Production: Review on Mechanisms, Applications, and Perspectives

Document Type : Review paper

Authors

Seid Hussen Muhie ¹

Abdushakir Seid Teshome ²

¹ Wollo University

² Kombolcha Polytechnic College

10.22059/ijhst.2025.387387.993

Abstract

Secondary metabolites are essential for plant defense, ecological interactions, and human health. In vitro seed and embryo cultures provide a controlled environment for studying these compounds. This manuscript examines the effects of elicitors on secondary metabolite production in such cultures. It highlights the significance and an application of secondary metabolites, introduces the concept of elicitors, and explains their role in enhancing metabolite production. Elicitors are categorized into biotic and abiotic types, with their mechanisms described in detail. The manuscript includes case studies and experimental data demonstrating the impact of elicitors on various cultures, emphasizing benefits such as increased yield, enhanced bioactivity, and improved quality. Challenges, such as cytotoxicity and response variability, are also discussed. The need for further research to optimize elicitor-based strategies for maximizing secondary metabolite production is underscored. This work serves as a valuable resource for researchers investigating the role of elicitors in plant biotechnology.

Keywords

Secondary metabolites

In vitro cultures

Embryo cultures

Bioactivity

Quality