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UrduA recent study study has revealed critical insights into the metabolic landscape of Artemisia annua, a plant essential for artemisinin production, the cornerstone of malaria treatment. Researchers investigated a mutant strain with developmental defects in glandular secretory trichomes (GSTs), which are vital for artemisinin synthesis. The study uncovered severe disruptions in the plant’s metabolic pathways, notably hindering artemisinin and other key secondary metabolites. These findings could pave the way for enhanced strategies to boost artemisinin yield, potentially transforming malaria treatment.
Tag: Medicinal Plants
Decoding atractylodes lancea: a genomic journey through adaptation and metabolism
Scientists have decoded the genetic blueprint of Atractylodes lancea, a prized herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Through comprehensive genome resequencing, the study unveils how natural variations drive the plant’s evolution and metabolic adaptations, particularly affecting the production of key medicinal compounds.
Plants of the Kaliningrad region turned out to be rich in antioxidants and antimicrobials
Scientists from the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University stated that the biological activity of extracts of four plants that growing in the Kaliningrad region is provided by phenolic compounds — aromatic alcohols. These substances provide antioxidant and antimicrobic properties to Aesculus hippocastanum, Melilotus officinalis, Eryngium maritimum, and Hedysarum neglectum.
Peak performance: plants’ genetic strategies for surviving high-altitude habitats
Unraveling the genetic mysteries of alpine plants, a pioneering study presents a chromosome-level genome assembly of the medicinal herb Triplostegia glandulifera. The research uncovers the plant’s sophisticated genetic adaptations, including a whole-genome duplication event that significantly bolstered its cold tolerance and other alpine-specific survival traits.
Decoding salvia miltiorrhiza: a molecular approach to boosting bioactive compounds
Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as Danshen, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. The medicinal properties of Danshen are primarily attributed to its two major bioactive compounds: tanshinones and phenolic acids.
The Roles of Rhizospheric and Endophytic Microorganisms on the Regulation of Secondary Metabolites Accumulation in Medicinal Plants-A Review from Medicinal Plant Research Center of South China Agricultural University
Medicinal plants are important economic crops and of great value in healthcare industry.
Research Progress on the Biosynthesis, Metabolic Engineering, and Pharmacology of Bioactive Compounds from the Lonicera Genus-A Review from Yin Xiaojian’s Team at the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lonicera has about 200 species of plants, which have extensive economic benefits and can be used as medicinal materials, food, cosmetics and ornamental plants, etc.
Hanging by a purple thread
A movement is raising awareness of native gromwell plant’s importance in preserving Japanese culture. For example, revival projects currently underway throughout Japan are investigating the seed’s origins and educating the public on the importance of protecting the plant’s homogeneity. Purple gromwell contains shikonin derivatives in the plant’s root surfaces, which are red naphthoquinones. This natural pigment and medicinal properties are linked to ancient East Asian traditions.
Extracts from two wild plants inhibit COVID-19 virus, study finds
Two common wild plants contain extracts that inhibit the ability of the virus that causes COVID-19 to infect living cells, an Emory University study finds.
NMU Launches Indoor Agriculture Program
Northern Michigan University will begin offering an indoor agriculture associate degree program this fall. Through a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach, graduates learn equally about plant biology and the construction/maintenance of indoor growing systems, preparing them for a variety of career opportunities.
Traditional Chinese medicinal plant yields new insecticide compounds
Traditional Chinese medicine used an herb, Stemona sessilifolia, as a remedy for parasitic infections. Researchers reporting in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry identified 10 compounds responsible for it’s success.
NMU and Shimadzu Dedicate Medicinal Plant Chemistry Lab
Northern Michigan University students enrolled in the nation’s first medicinal plant chemistry program have access to cutting-edge instrumentation used in and beyond the cannabis industry through NMU’s partnership with Shimadzu. Representatives of both entities recently dedicated a new lab on campus.