This review discusses the role of stress and defense responses in the production of plant secondary metabolites (SMs). Plants produce SMs to adapt to environmental stress and defend against biotic and abiotic factors. These metabolites are influenced by species, genotype, growth conditions, and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown that stress and defense responses trigger signaling pathways that regulate SM production, including the synthesis of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds. The production of SMs is often induced by biotic and abiotic elicitors, such as pathogens, temperature changes, and light exposure. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that stress conditions can enhance SM production, with factors like drought, temperature, and light affecting the biosynthesis of these compounds. The production of SMs is also influenced by nutrient availability, with certain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur playing key roles in their biosynthesis. The review highlights the importance of understanding the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in SM production under stress conditions, as well as the potential applications of this knowledge in metabolic engineering and biotechnology. The role of stress and defense responses in SM production is a complex process involving multiple pathways and interactions, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize SM production for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.This review discusses the role of stress and defense responses in the production of plant secondary metabolites (SMs). Plants produce SMs to adapt to environmental stress and defend against biotic and abiotic factors. These metabolites are influenced by species, genotype, growth conditions, and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown that stress and defense responses trigger signaling pathways that regulate SM production, including the synthesis of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds. The production of SMs is often induced by biotic and abiotic elicitors, such as pathogens, temperature changes, and light exposure. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that stress conditions can enhance SM production, with factors like drought, temperature, and light affecting the biosynthesis of these compounds. The production of SMs is also influenced by nutrient availability, with certain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur playing key roles in their biosynthesis. The review highlights the importance of understanding the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in SM production under stress conditions, as well as the potential applications of this knowledge in metabolic engineering and biotechnology. The role of stress and defense responses in SM production is a complex process involving multiple pathways and interactions, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize SM production for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.