This review summarizes recent trends in the physiology of plant secondary metabolite (PSM) production across plant species, cultivars, and genotypes, with emphasis on the relationship to biosynthesis of these molecules. Stress and defense responses play a critical role in the production of secondary metabolites (SMs) in plants, as they are essential for physiological processes and help plants adapt to changing environmental conditions. The type and concentration of SMs produced by a plant depend on factors such as species, genotype, physiology, developmental stage, and environmental conditions. Recent studies have shown that stress and defense signaling pathways are involved in the production of SMs, and that oxidative stress defense responses are particularly important in this process. The production of SMs is often induced in response to biotic and abiotic elicitors, and is influenced by the interaction between signaling pathways and metabolic processes in plant cells. The use of molecular biology tools and techniques has facilitated the understanding of these processes at various levels, from subcellular to whole plant systems. Additionally, the application of in vitro culture techniques has enabled the production of SMs in a controlled environment, with the manipulation of culture medium being a key factor in optimizing yield. The review also highlights the importance of nutritional factors in the production of SMs, as well as the effects of drought, temperature, and light on SM biosynthesis. Overall, the production of SMs is a complex process influenced by a variety of factors, and understanding these factors is essential for the efficient production of bioactive compounds in plants.This review summarizes recent trends in the physiology of plant secondary metabolite (PSM) production across plant species, cultivars, and genotypes, with emphasis on the relationship to biosynthesis of these molecules. Stress and defense responses play a critical role in the production of secondary metabolites (SMs) in plants, as they are essential for physiological processes and help plants adapt to changing environmental conditions. The type and concentration of SMs produced by a plant depend on factors such as species, genotype, physiology, developmental stage, and environmental conditions. Recent studies have shown that stress and defense signaling pathways are involved in the production of SMs, and that oxidative stress defense responses are particularly important in this process. The production of SMs is often induced in response to biotic and abiotic elicitors, and is influenced by the interaction between signaling pathways and metabolic processes in plant cells. The use of molecular biology tools and techniques has facilitated the understanding of these processes at various levels, from subcellular to whole plant systems. Additionally, the application of in vitro culture techniques has enabled the production of SMs in a controlled environment, with the manipulation of culture medium being a key factor in optimizing yield. The review also highlights the importance of nutritional factors in the production of SMs, as well as the effects of drought, temperature, and light on SM biosynthesis. Overall, the production of SMs is a complex process influenced by a variety of factors, and understanding these factors is essential for the efficient production of bioactive compounds in plants.