Type of secondary metabolites

Estimated number^*

Nitrogen-containing SMs

Alkaloids

21,000

Non-protein amino acids (NPAAs)

700

Amines

100

Cyanogenic glycosides

60

Glucosinolates

100

Alkylamides

150

Lectins, peptides, polypeptides

2000

SMs without nitrogen

Monoterpenes (C₁₀)^**

2500

Sesquiterpenes (C₁₅)^**

5000

Diterpenes (C₂₀)^**

2500

Triterpenes, steroids, saponins (C₃₀, C₂₇)^**

5000

Tetraterpenes (C₄₀)^**

500

Flavonoids, tannins

5000

Phenylpropanoids, lignin, coumarins, lignans

2000

Polyacetylenes, fatty acids, waxes

1500

Polyketides

750

Carbohydrates, simple acids

400