Plant Terpenes

Different plants have been reported to be used in folk medicine which used a variety of plants in treatment of many diseases. These plants contained a various chemical constituent and which called secondary metabolic compounds such as phenols, alkaloids and terpenes. Because of biochemical as well as evolutionary decision-making in biological activities. There are about 25000 types of it produced in plants, terpenes are the major components of plant-derived essential oils especially monoterpenes as well as diterpenes which used as antibacterial and as food preservers. Terpenes and terpenoids have a variety of biological applications such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-allergic and anti-cancer properties, these terpenes are used in a wide range of industries, including cooking field, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical ones. etc. This review is focused on the chemical structure, classification according to isoprene units, synthesis and presences of terpenes in plants and their applications and uses.