Medicinal plants are rich sources of:

✅Explanation:
Medicinal plants produce a wide range of chemical compounds, but those with medicinal properties are classified as secondary metabolites. These are non-essential for the plant's basic functions like growth and reproduction, but they play a role in the plant's interaction with its environment, including defense against herbivores, attracting pollinators, and fighting off disease. Many secondary metabolites have beneficial effects on human health as well.

📌Other Options:
• Primary metabolites: These are essential for the plant's basic survival and growth processes, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. While some primary metabolites may have health benefits, medicinal properties are typically associated with secondary metabolites.
• Essential oils: These are volatile aromatic compounds produced by some plants. They can have various uses, including fragrances, flavorings, and some have medicinal properties. However, essential oils are just one type of secondary metabolite.
• Oleoresins: These are mixtures of essential oils and resins that are extracted from some plants. Similar to essential oils, oleoresins can have medicinal properties, but they represent a specific type of secondary metabolite.

🛑 Related Terminology:
• Phytochemicals: This is a general term for the chemical compounds found in plants, including both primary and secondary metabolites.
• Bioactive compounds: These are natural chemicals from plants, animals, or microorganisms that can have a beneficial effect on human health. The majority of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants are secondary metabolites.