Plant Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

Soil properties and environmental factors across different altitudes influence biodiversity of root endophytic fungi in the orchid Bletilla sinensis

Context Bletilla sinensis is a perennial orchid herb widely used in Chinese herbal medicine. The endophytic fungi associated with its roots significantly affect plant growth and secondary metabolite accumulation, whereas environmental factors crucially determine the community and diversity of these fungi. Aims This study investigated the impact of habitat environment on the symbiotic relationship between B. sinensis and its endophytic fungi by analysing the community composition and diversity of endophytic fungi in B. sinensis roots at various altitudes. Methods B. sinensis roots were sampled from three altitudes (HXJ1, HXJ2, HXJ3) in Jinjiang Town, Shangri-La County, Yunnan Province, China. Endophytic fungi were isolated and analysed using high-throughput sequencing technology. Key results The endophytic fungi were dominated by Ascomycota (85.4%) and Basidiomycota (14.6%). α-Diversity analysis showed that HXJ2 had the highest species richness (Chao1 = 34), while HXJ1 exhibited the highest diversity (Shannon = 2.25, Simpson = 0.84). β-Diversity analysis revealed moderate community similarities between sampling sites (Bray–Curtis indices: 0.433–0.597). Notably, fungal abundance showed strong positive correlations with soil total phosphorus (r = 1.000, P < 0.01) and total carbon (r = 0.998, P < 0.05) in HXJ1. Conclusions The study revealed a clear altitudinal pattern, where higher altitudes exhibited lower fungal diversity. However, the mid-altitude site (HXJ2) showed higher fungal diversity compared with both higher (HXJ3) and lower altitudes (HXJ1), suggesting that local environmental factors, such as soil nutrients and surrounding vegetation, may interact with temperature to influence fungal diversity. Implications This study sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between B. sinensis and its endophytic fungi, with implications for the cultivation and medicinal properties of this herb.

Pinus sylvestris bark extract reduces the impact of Heligmosomoides bakeri infection on C57BL/6 but not on BALB/c mice (Mus musculus).

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) may improve gastrointestinal health by exerting immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and/or antiparasitic effects. Bark extracts from coniferous tree species have previously been shown to reduce the burden of a range of parasite species in the gastrointestinal tract, with condensed tannins as the potential active compounds. In the present study, the impact of an acetone extract of pine bark (Pinus sylvestris) on the resistance, performance and tolerance of genetically diverse mice (Mus musculus) was assessed. Mice able to clear an infection quickly (fast responders, BALB/c) or slowly (slow responders, C57BL/6) were infected orally with 200 infective third-stage larvae (L3) of the parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri or remained uninfected (dosed with water only). Each infection group of mice was gavaged for 3 consecutive days from day 19 post-infection with either bark extract or dimethyl sulphoxide (5%) as vehicle control. Oral administration of pine bark extract did not have an impact on any of the measured parasitological parameter. It did, however, have a positive impact on the performance of infected, slow-responder mice, through an increase in body weight (BW) and carcase weight and reduced feed intake by BW ratio. Importantly, bark extract administration had a negative impact on the fast responders, by reducing their ability to mediate the impact of parasitism through reducing their performance and tolerance. The results indicate that the impact of PSMs on parasitized hosts is affected by host's genetic susceptibility, with susceptible hosts benefiting more from bark extract administration compared to resistant ones.

Foliar application of nano biochar solution elevates tomato productivity by counteracting the effect of salt stress insights into morphological physiological and biochemical indices

Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions. In future, studies on nano biochar interactions with soil microbiota, surface modifications, long-term environmental impacts, reduced methane gas emissions, and biocompatibility could provide insights into optimizing its use in sustainable agriculture.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of plant flowers growing in distinct geological habitats (serpentine, gypsum, and limestone)

ABSTRACT In this study, the flowers of 20 plant species [Gypsum (Linum flavum, Paracaryum stenolophum, Onobrychis nitida, Gypsophila lepidioides, Psephellus recepii, Tanacetum heterotomum, Verbascum alyssifolium, limestone (Teucrium leucophyllum, Stachys sparsipilosa, Phlomis oppositiflora, Pelargonium endlicherianum, Chrysophthalmum montanum, serpentine (Convolvulus pseudoscammania, Fumana aciphylla, Gladiolus halophilus, Hypericum thymbrifolium, Salvia indica, Artedia squamata, Erysimum pulchellum, Consolida olopetala], including 11 endemic species, growing in various habitats (gypsum, limestone, and serpentine) in Erzincan province were examined. By focusing on the antioxidant capacities and antibacterial activities of these species, the study aims to elucidate the effects of these ecosystems on the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, primarily phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and their adaptive biochemical responses to unique environmental conditions. Antioxidant properties were assessed using DPPH, FRAP, TPC, and TFC assays. Results showed significant differences in antioxidant compound concentrations among plants from different habitats, with the highest levels in serpentine and gypsum regions. Artedia squamata L. from serpentine had the strongest DPPH activity (24.83 ± 1.25 µg/ml), Erysimum pulchellum had the highest TPC (89.44 ± 0.76 mg GAE/g), and Tanacetum heterotomum had the highest TFC (43.48 ± 2.08 mg QE/g) in gypsum. FRAP activity was highest in serpentine species, particularly Consolida olopetala (32.14 ± 1.84 mg TE/g). Furthermore, Antibacterial assays against eight ATTC strains revealed significant inhibitory effects by Stachys sparsipilosa, Tanacetum heterotomum, Teucrium leucophyllum, and Verbascum alyssifolium against Enterococcus faecium and Salmonella enteritidis with Teucrium leucophyllum showing the highest activity (MIC of 31.25 µg/ml against Salmonella enteritidis). The study highlights the influence of habitat on the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, suggesting that plants from serpentine and gypsum soils have enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making them potential candidates for natural therapeutic agents.

A review of the current status of biological effects of plant-derived therapeutics in breast cancer.

Phytochemicals are bioactive secondary plant metabolites found in high concentrations in fruits, grains, and vegetables. Recent studies provide evidence of usage of plant-based diets rich in phytochemicals and their corelation to reduction in cancer incidence. Several phytochemicals have demonstrated effectiveness as chemotherapeutic agents against various cancers, including breast cancer. Breast cancer (BC) is a major worldwide medical issue owing to its high incidence, especially in women. It is the most often detected malignancy and an important trigger of mortality in women. Various chemotherapeutics along with radiotherapy are being investigated as potential treatment options for breast cancer. However, multidrug resistance, toxicity to normal cells, and other adverse effects limit the usage of chemotherapeutics in breast cancer. Cancer treatment with dietary phytochemicals is a highly effective approach that is currently gaining widespread attention. This manuscript intends to describe the existing data on the anticancer effects of various phytochemicals, including their preclinical exploration against breast cancer. Phytochemicals are broadly categorized, with an explanation of their role in breast cancer prognosis through various signalling pathways, preclinical status, physicochemical property analysis using Data Warrior, and evidence on individual phototherapeutics.

Plant secondary metabolites against biotic stresses for sustainable crop protection.

Sustainable agriculture practices are indispensable for achieving a hunger-free world, especially as the global population continues to expand. Biotic stresses, such as pathogens, insects, and pests, severely threaten global food security and crop productivity. Traditional chemical pesticides, while effective, can lead to environmental degradation and increase pest resistance over time. Plant-derived natural products such as secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and phytoalexins offer promising alternatives due to their ability to enhance plant immunity and inhibit pest activity. Recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have improved our understanding of how these natural compounds function at the cellular level, activating specific plant defense through complex biochemical pathways regulated by various transcription factors (TFs) such as MYB, WRKY, bHLH, bZIP, NAC, and AP2/ERF. Advancements in multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have significantly improved the understanding of the regulatory networks that govern PSM synthesis. These integrative approaches have led to the discovery of novel insights into plant responses to biotic stresses, identifying key regulatory genes and pathways involved in plant defense. Advanced technologies like CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing allow precise manipulation of PSM pathways, further enhancing plant resistance. Understanding the complex interaction between PSMs, TFs, and biotic stress responses not only advances plant biology but also provides feasible strategies for developing crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. This review emphasizes the crucial role of PSMs, their biosynthetic pathways, the regulatory influence of TFs, and their potential applications in enhancing plant defense and sustainability. It also highlights the astounding potential of multi-omics approaches to discover gene functions and the metabolic engineering of genes associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Taken together, this review provides new insights into research opportunities for enhancing biotic stress tolerance in crops through utilizing plant secondary metabolites.

Plant Cell Suspension Culture for Plant Secondary Metabolite Production: Current Status, Constraints, and Future Solutions

Plant Cell Suspension Culture for Plant Secondary Metabolite Production: Current Status, Constraints, and Future Solutions

Comparative analyses of secondary metabolites in microshoot culture, callus culture, and native plants of Atraphaxis L. (Polygonaceae)

Comparative analyses of secondary metabolites in microshoot culture, callus culture, and native plants of Atraphaxis L. (Polygonaceae)

Effect of different carbon sources and concentrations on in vitro propagation of chestnut

The in vitro propagation of chestnut is a crucial approach to address the limitations of traditional propagation methods. It encounters issues like insufficient rooting and multiplication. This research investigated the impact of sucrose, glucose, maltose and concentrations (20 g/L and 30 g/L) on the growth and biochemical profiles of the hybrid chestnut cultivar ‘Marsol’ (C. sativa × C. crenata). Essential parameters encompassed plant height, leaf area, callus size, chlorophyll content, enzymatic activity, and secondary metabolite composition determined using GC-MS analysis. For each carbon source and concentration, thirty-six biological replicates were analyzed. The findings underlined the essential function of sucrose, especially at 30 g/L, in enhancing plant height (5.30 ± 0.04 cm), shoot multiplication (4.50 ± 0.50 shoots per explant), and the coloration of leaves (minimum L value of 35.78 ± 0.27, maximum SPAD value of 13.21 ± 1.27). Glucose similarly promoted growth but to a slightly lower degree, whereas maltose continuously exhibited inferior performance. The callus’s diameters, a crucial indicator of regeneration potential, were greatest with 30 g/L sucrose (1.664 ± 0.26 cm width), highlighting its effectiveness in cellular differentiation. GC-MS analysis demonstrated various biochemical profiles affected by the carbon source. Sucrose treatments showed elevated concentrations of pyrogallol and hexadecanoic acid derivatives associated with stress tolerance and metabolic control. Furthermore, enzymatic tests revealed that the carbon source and concentration influenced phenol oxidase (PO) and catalase (CAT) activity, with sucrose producing ideal equilibria between oxidative stress and antioxidant responses. The findings provide critical insights for optimizing the nutritional medium to improve propagation efficiency for important chestnut cultivars/genotypes.

Research Progress on the Effect of Exogenous Additives Treatment on the Synthesis of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Plant secondary metabolites play an important role in plants' response to environmental changes and stress conditions. Exogenous additives such as plant hormones, chemical elicitors, and natural extracts can significantly affect the synthesis and function of these secondary metabolites by regulating gene expression and signal transduction pathways, providing new strategies for enhancing plant stress resistance and optimizing the production of secondary metabolites. This study reviews the effects of exogenous additives on the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites, including plant hormones, ion stress, and their synergistic effects with environmental factors. Exogenous additives significantly affect the types and contents of secondary metabolites by regulating metabolic pathways, activating defense mechanisms, and optimizing metabolic networks. In addition, the combined application of different exogenous additives and their synergistic effects with environmental factors can effectively improve plant stress resistance and optimize the production of secondary metabolites. The study suggests that future research should further develop and apply new exogenous elicitors and strengthen the study of their potential side effects and long-term impacts to achieve sustainable optimization of secondary metabolite production. It also provides important technical support for the development and processing of functional foods, helping to produce food products with higher nutritional value and health benefits.

Enzymatic β-Mannosylation of Phenylethanoid Alcohols.

Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) are widely occurring secondary metabolites of medicinal plants with interesting biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, etc. They are characterized by a structural core formed by a phenethyl alcohol, usually tyrosol or hydroxytyrosol, attached to β-D-glucopyranose via a glycosidic bond. This core is usually further decorated by attached phenolic acids or another saccharide. Several studies suggest an important role of the saccharidic fragment in the biological activities of PhGs, provoking demand for new glycovariants of natural PhGs. This study presents the preparation of β-mannosylated analogs of tyrosol β-D-glucopyranoside (salidroside) and hydroxytyrosol β-D-glucopyranoside (hydroxysalidroside). While the chemical synthesis of β-D-mannopyranosides is rather challenging, they can be prepared by enzymatic catalysis. We found that Novozym 188, an industrial β-glucosidase, also contains β-mannosidase and used this enzyme in the preparation of tyrosol β-D-mannopyranoside and hydroxytyrosol β-D-mannopyranoside in 12 and 16% chemical yields, respectively, by transglycosylation from β-D-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-mannose. The mannosylation was chemoselective and occurred exclusively on the primary hydroxyls of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, and the glycosylation of phenolic moieties of the aglycons was observed.

Exploring the adaptation mechanism of Spodoptera litura to xanthotoxin: Insights from transcriptional responses and CncC signaling pathway-mediated UGT detoxification.

During the long-term interaction between plants and phytophagous insects, plants generate diverse plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) to defend against insects, whereas insects persistently cause harm to plants by detoxifying PSMs. Xanthotoxin is an insect-resistant PSM that is widely found in plants. However, the understanding of detoxification mechanism of xanthotoxin in insects is still limited at present. In this study, RNA-seq analysis showed that uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) and cap 'n' collar isoform C (CncC) signaling pathway were specifically retrieved from the midgut and fat body of xanthotoxin-administrated Spodoptera litura larvae. The larvae were sensitive to xanthotoxin when the transcriptional expression and enzyme activity of UGTs were inhibited. Bacteria co-expressing UGT had a high survival rate after exposure to xanthotoxin and displayed high metabolic activity to xanthotoxin, which indicated that UGTs were involved in xanthotoxin detoxification. As the pivotal transcription factors, RNA interference against CncC and its partner, muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis isoform K (MafK), reduced larval tolerance to xanthotoxin as well as UGT expressional levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that UGT promoter activity was activated by CncC and MafK, and was suppressed once CncC/MafK binding site was mutated. This study revealed that CncC signaling pathway regulated UGT transcriptional expression to mediate xanthotoxin detoxification in S. litura, which will facilitate a better understanding of the adaptive mechanism of phytophagous insects to host plants and provide more valuable insecticide targets for pest control.

The cross-resistance to etofenprox in Nilaparvata lugens with a high adaptability to resistant rice variety IR56.

The application of resistant rice varieties and insecticides represents two crucial strategies for managing the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Insects often employ similar detoxification mechanisms to metabolize plant secondary metabolites and insecticides, which poses a potential risk that BPH population adapted to resistant rice may also obtain resistance to some insecticides. Here in a BPH population (R-IR56) that has adapted to the resistant rice variety IR56 through continuous selection, the moderate resistance to etofenprox was observed. Insect P450s often contribute to insecticide resistance in insects. Through transcriptome sequencing of R-IR56 and control populations, it was found that two P450 genes, CYP439A1 and CYP439A2, were over-expressed in R-IR56. RNA interference confirmed the importance of two P450s in etofenprox resistance in vivo. The metabolite identification and catalytic activity of recombinant P450 proteins revealed the metabolism of etofenprox by both CYP439A1 and CYP439A2 in vitro, which catalyzed an O-de-ethylation on etofenprox. However, the up-regulation of two P450 genes did not contribute to the adaptation of BPH to IR56 variety. The study reveals that BPH adapted to resistant rice variety IR56 exhibits a moderate level of resistance to etofenprox, but the cross-resistance to etofenprox in BPH is unidirectional. The findings here provide theoretical guidance for the integrated pest management strategy, especially focusing on the interplay between applications of resistant variety and insecticides. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oviposition-deterrent activity of p-methyl benzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde from the extract of Periplocae cortex for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda.

The invasion of Spodoptera frugiperda into China has caused serious losses to the food industry and has developed varying degrees of resistance to various chemical pesticides. Developing new plant-based pesticides is of great significance for the sustainable management of S. frugiperda. p-Methyl benzaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde elicited strong electroantennogram (EAG) reactions from S. frugiperda adults. In particular, 14.4 mg/mL p-methyl benzaldehyde produced the strongest EAG reaction. At this concentration, olfactory selection results showed significant repellent activity against adults, while 0.09 mg/mL had significant attractant activity against males. 2-Hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde had significant attractive effects at 2.40, 7.20, 14.40 mg/mL. However, 0.80 and 14.4 mg/mL showed significant repellent effects on oviposition selection after treatment with p-methyl benzaldehyde, while 0.09 mg/mL showed significant attractant activity, with an oviposition index of 0.48 ± 0.12. Three treatments of 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde showed significant repellent activity against the oviposition selection. In addition, exposure to these two substances could significantly inhibit the number of spermatophores and eggs laid by a single female. p-Methyl benzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde in the secondary metabolites of the Chinese medicinal herb Periplocae cortex have obvious regulatory effects on the olfactory behavior and oviposition selection of Spodoptera frugiperda and significantly inhibit fertility. This result is helpful to understand the relationship between non-host plant secondary metabolites and insects, lay the foundation for new active substances as insect behavior regulators. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of the Volatile Profile of Bee Venom from Different Regions in Türkiye Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The volatile organic compounds of bee venoms from four different populations of Apis mellifera anatoliaca, came from different regions in Türkiye, were analyzed using solid phase microextraction technique combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 144 volatile compounds were identified in the bee venom samples. The identified volatile compounds included esters, terpenoids, alcohols, acid esters, aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons. It was determined that ester-type volatile compounds characterized the bee venom obtained from the Central Anatolia Region, while bee venom from the Western Black Sea Region had a higher amount of volatile terpenes with spicy and woody aromas. Further studies are required to understand the volatile profile of bee venom, which consists of plant and animal secondary metabolites.

Identification and functional characterization of AsWRKY9, a WRKY transcription factor modulating alliin biosynthesis in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

BackgroundThe variations in alliin content are a crucial criterion for evaluating garlic quality and is the sole precursor for allicin biosynthesis, which is significant for the growth, development, and stress response of garlic. WRKY transcription factors are essential for enhancing stress resistance by regulating the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating alliin biosynthesis remain unexplored. Here, we report for the first time that a WRKY family transcription factor regulates the expression of a key enzyme gene in the alliin biosynthesis pathway, enhancing the accumulation of alliin.ResultsAsWRKY9 was most highly expressed in garlic leaves, and its expression was significantly upregulated at various time points following leaf injury. Moreover, we established an improved garlic callus induction medium based on MS medium with 1.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L NAA, suitable for “PiZi” garlic bulbils. In transgenic callus overexpressing AsWRKY9, the transcription level of the key enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase gene (AsFMO1) significantly higher, as did its enzymatic activity compared with the control. Subcellular localization revealed that AsWRKY9 is located in the nucleus. The promoter sequence of AsFMO1 was then obtained using genomee walking. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase assays (LUC) confirmed that AsWRKY9 interact with the AsFMO1 promoter. Further verification by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) confirmed that AsWRKY9 interacts by binding to the W-box site on the AsFMO1 promoter. Compared to the control, the alliin content in the transgenic callus overexpressing AsWRKY9 was significantly increased, thus confirming the activation of the alliin biosynthesis pathway and enhancing the accumulation of alliin in garlic.ConclusionsOur study reveals the crucial role of AsWRKY9 in alliin biosynthesis, filling a gap in the complex transcriptional regulation of the alliin biosynthetic pathway. It provides a new molecular breeding strategy for developing garlic varieties with high alliin content.

Characteristics and Functions of PmHDS, a Terpenoid Synthesis-Related Gene in Pinus massoniana Lamb.

Terpenoids, abundant and structurally diverse secondary metabolites in plants, especially in conifer species, play crucial roles in the plant defense mechanism and plant growth and development. In Pinus massoniana, terpenoids' biosynthesis relies on both the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and the 2-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, with 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate synthase (HDS) catalyzing the sixth step of the MEP pathway. In this study, we cloned and conducted bioinformatics analysis of the PmHDS gene from P. massoniana. The results showed that PmHDS shares homology with HDS proteins from other species. Analysis of tissue expression patterns indicated that PmHDS exhibits the highest expression level in xylem tissue, followed by stems, with significantly lowest expression in the apical meristem. Treatment with NaCl, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA) upregulated the expression of PmHDS. Furthermore, we successfully cloned the PmHDS promoter (about 2220 bp) and integrated it into a GUS reporter vector, which resulted in GUS activity being observed in various tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana. Overexpression of the PmHDS gene in A. thaliana significantly increased the content of carotenoids, chlorophylls a and b, and related enzyme activities, as well as the levels of terpenoid derivatives such as cytokinin (CTK), gibberellic acid (GA), and ABA, thereby enhancing the resistance to those abiotic stresses. These findings suggest that PmHDS plays an important role in the terpenoid synthesis pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the biosynthesis of terpenoids and lays a foundation for future research on the regulation of terpene synthesis and resistance in molecular breeding.

Plant Secondary Metabolites as Modulators of Mitochondrial Health: An Overview of Their Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Apoptotic, and Mitophagic Mechanisms.

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, which have been recognised for their critical role in modulating cellular functions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of PSMs on mitochondrial health, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic potential. Emerging evidence shows that these metabolites improve mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, and regulating key processes such as apoptosis and mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of many pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, has been shown to benefit from the protective effects of PSMs. Recent studies show that PSMs can improve mitochondrial dynamics, stabilise mitochondrial membranes, and enhance bioenergetics, offering significant promise for the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, including modulation of key signalling pathways and direct interactions with mitochondrial proteins, are discussed. The integration of PSMs into therapeutic strategies is highlighted as a promising avenue for improving treatment efficacy while minimising the side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. This review also highlights the need for future research to elucidate the specific roles of individual PSMs and their synergistic interactions within complex plant matrices, which may further optimise their therapeutic utility. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the complex role of PSMs in mitochondrial health and their potential as natural therapeutic agents targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.

Effect of Geographic Regions on the Flavor Quality and Non-Volatile Compounds of Chinese Matcha.

Matcha is a very popular tea food around the world, being widely used in the food, beverage, health food, and cosmetic industries, among others. At present, matcha shade covering methods, matcha superfine powder processing technology, and digital evaluations of matcha flavor quality are receiving research attention. However, research on the differences in flavor and quality characteristics of matcha from the same tea tree variety from different typical regions in China is relatively weak and urgently required. Taking Japan Shizuoka matcha (R) as a reference, the differences in sensory quality characteristics and non-volatile substances of matcha processed with the same tea variety from different regions in China were analyzed. The samples were China Hangzhou matcha (Z1), China Wuyi matcha (Z2), China Enshi matcha (H), and China Tongren matcha (G), which represent the typical matcha of eastern, central, and western China. A total of 1131 differential metabolites were identified in the matcha samples, comprising 118 flavonoids, 14 tannins, 365 organic acids, 42 phenolic acids, 22 alkaloids, 39 saccharides, 208 amino acids and derivatives, 17 lignans and coumarins, seven quinones, 44 nucleotides and derivatives, 14 glycerophospholipids, two glycolipids, 15 alcohols and amines, 140 benzenes and substituted derivatives, 38 terpenoids, 30 heterocyclic compounds, and 15 lipids. Kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside, 3,7-Di-O-methylquercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin were detected in Z1, Z2, H, and G. A total of 1243 metabolites differed among Z1, Z2, and R. A total of 1617 metabolites differed among G, H, and R. The content of non-volatile difference metabolites of Z2 was higher than that of Z1. The content of non-volatile difference metabolites of G was higher than that of H. The 20 key differential non-volatile metabolites of Z1, Z2, G, and H were screened out separately. The types of non-volatile flavor differential metabolites of G and H were more numerous than those of Z1 and Z2. The metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, biosynthesis of co-factors, flavonoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of amino acids, biosynthesis of various plant secondary metabolites, and purine metabolism of metabolic pathways were the main KEGG pathways. This study provides new insights into the differences in metabolite profiles among typical Chinese matcha geographic regions with the same tea variety.

Towards enhancing phytoremediation: The effect of syringic acid, a plant secondary metabolite, on the presence of phenoxy herbicide-tolerant endophytic bacteria.

Among emerging pollutants, residuals of phenoxy herbicides, including 2-chloro-4-methylphenoxy acid (MCPA), are frequently detected in non-targeted areas. MCPA can be removed from environmental matrices using biological remediation methods including endophyte-assisted phytoremediation. The interactions between selected plants excreting to the rhizosphere plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) and plant-associated bacteria (incl. endophytes) can speed up the removal of organics and increase the plants resistance to pollutants such as MCPA. The role of plant-associated bacteria in endophyte-assisted phytoremediation has been partially described, however neither MCPA-tolerant endophytic bacteria has been isolated nor characterized. So far, promising results were obtained by simultaneous cultivation of Cucurbita pepo (zucchini) and amendment of soil with structurally related PSM syringic acid (SA), which can substantially enhance removal of MCPA from soil. Hence, the main aim of this research was to study the effect of PSM (SA) on the presence of functional MCPA-tolerant endophytic bacteria using a culture-dependent and -independent approach. Comparison between the molecular and microbiological analysis revealed differences between applied methods. However, irrespectively of the genera identification methods, presence of phenolic compounds (MCPA or SA) favorized presence of potential MCPA-degraders. On the basis of MCPA tolerance tests of isolated bacteria, two Pseudomonas endophytic isolates from zucchini roots and three isolates from zucchini leaves i.e. Pseudomonas sp., Paenarthrobacter sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were selected for further screening of plant growth promoting properties (PGPP). MCPA-tolerant endophytic bacteria showed multiple PGPP. Therefore, these isolates can potentially contribute to an improved fitness of plants used for the purpose of enhancing phytoremediation of environments polluted with phenoxy herbicides.