Exploring Plant Metabolites for Functional Food Applications: A Review of Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential Use in The Food Industry

The increasing consumer demand for natural and health-promoting food products has led to a growing interest in plant secondary metabolites due to their potential benefits in functional foods. These bioactive metabolites, including phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and others, are well-known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and other biological properties. Integrating them into food products offers a promising approach to enhancing nutritional value and supporting health promotion. However, challenges related to bioavailability, stability, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to ensure their efficacy and safety. This work provides an overview of the origin, health benefits, challenges, and applications of plant secondary metabolites in functional foods, highlighting their potential to meet new consumer demands and contribute to a more sustainable food system.