Uncovering How Plants Regulate Health-Boosting Compounds Over Time

Jenn Hoskins
10th August, 2024

Uncovering How Plants Regulate Health-Boosting Compounds Over Time

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers in Beijing found that key saponins in P. notoginseng mainly accumulate in underground tissues like roots and rhizomes
  • The distribution of these saponins matches the expression of genes involved in jasmonic acid pathways
  • Understanding these mechanisms can help improve planting techniques and develop high-quality P. notoginseng varieties
Panax notoginseng, commonly known as Sanqi, is a highly valued medicinal plant recognized for its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases. The primary bioactive components of P. notoginseng are saponins, including ginsenosides and notoginsenosides. Recent research conducted by Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, aimed to explore the role of the phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) in the synthesis and regulation of these saponins[1]. In this study, researchers performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography to analyze different tissues of P. notoginseng aged 2-4 years. They assessed the saponin content and conducted transcriptome profiling to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of saponins. The results showed that notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rb1, and ginsenoside Rd primarily accumulated in the underground tissues, such as the root, tuqi, fibril, and rhizome. This distribution pattern was consistent with the expression of genes involved in JA biosynthetic, metabolic, and signaling pathways, particularly the genes coronatine insensitive 1 (COI1) and myelocytomatosis proteins 2 (MYC2). The findings from this study provide new insights into the temporal and spatial effects of endogenous phytohormones in the synthesis and regulation of notoginsenosides. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for improving ecological planting technologies, cultivating new high-quality varieties, and protecting the rare resources of medicinal P. notoginseng. This research builds on earlier studies that have examined the role of soil microbial communities in the yield of P. notoginseng. For instance, a previous study using shotgun metagenomic sequencing identified specific microbial taxa and functional traits correlated with P. notoginseng yields[2]. The study found that certain microbial families and genera, such as Nitrosomonadaceae and Mycobacterium, were positively correlated with higher yields, while others, like Xanthobacteraceae and Caulobacteraceae, were negatively correlated. These findings suggest that soil microbiomes play a significant role in the growth and yield of P. notoginseng. Another relevant study explored the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Sanqi on brain injury in rats[3]. The study found that Sanqi significantly up-regulated the expression of HIF-1α, a protein involved in the response to low oxygen levels, and reduced neuronal apoptosis, thereby playing a neuroprotective role. This highlights the therapeutic potential of Sanqi in medical applications beyond its cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBS) therapy, which often includes Sanqi, for Chinese patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)[4]. The analysis showed that PBCRBS therapy could improve neurological function, reduce hematoma volume, and lower mortality rates, further emphasizing the medicinal value of Sanqi. The current study by Capital Medical University adds a new dimension to our understanding of P. notoginseng by elucidating the role of jasmonic acid in saponin biosynthesis. By linking the spatial and temporal distribution of saponins to the expression of JA-related genes, the research provides a foundation for developing strategies to enhance the quality and yield of P. notoginseng through targeted manipulation of phytohormones. In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the biosynthesis and regulation of saponins in P. notoginseng, with significant implications for agricultural practices and medicinal applications. The integration of these findings with previous research on soil microbiomes and therapeutic effects underscores the multifaceted importance of P. notoginseng in both ecological and medical fields.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Spatiotemporal expression analysis of jasmonic acid and saponin-related genes uncovers a potential biosynthetic regulation in Panax notoginseng.

Published 9th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13800

Related Studies

2) Composition and function of rhizosphere microbiome of Panax notoginseng with discrepant yields.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-020-00364-4

3) Relationship between HIF-1α and apoptosis in rats with traumatic brain injury and the influence of traditional Chinese medicine Sanqi.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.08.004

4) Promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis therapy for acute intracerebral hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

https://doi.org/10.1038/aps.2014.139


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