South African Journal of Botany最新文献

{"title":"New applied pharmacological approach/trend from aqueous and sulfated extract from Moringa oleifera Lin on irradiated Ehrlich solid tumor bearing mice","authors":"Wafaa A. Helmy ,&nbsp;Marwa S.M. Diab ,&nbsp;Noheir H. Sherif ,&nbsp;Marwa A. Mohamed ,&nbsp;Asrar M. Hawas ,&nbsp;Ahmed. A. Hasaballah ,&nbsp;Asmaa R. Abd El-Hameid","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.03.054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.03.054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study was undertaken to identify the chemical compositions of dried leaves and aqueous extracts from <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves (MoL) and investigate the antioxidant and antitumor activities of the crude and sulphated extracts of MoL with or without radiation exposure in Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) bearing female albino mice. For the toxicity test four groups of mice were used (5 mice/gp): control group, crude extract (500mg/kg b.wt orally for 7days), sulfated extract (500mg/kg b.wt orally for 7days), and irradiated group (IRR) [5Gy as fractionated dose 1Gy daily for 5 consecutive days]. For the antitumor activity six groups of mice were used (10 per each): Ehrlich solid tumor group (EST), EST+ crude extract (500mg/kg b.wt), EST+ sulfated extract (500mg/kg b.wt), EST+IRR (500mg/kg b.wt), EST+IRR+ crude extract and finally EST+IRR+ sulfated extract. Results showed that, serum ALT, Albumin, creatinine, Reactive oxygen species(ROS) and Total antioxidant activity (TAC) recorded non-significant changes post treatment with crude extract and sulphated extract groups while IRR group showed a significant elevation in ALT, creatinine and ROS in addition, a decrease in TAC. Moreover, crude extract and sulfated extract alone or combined with irradiation reduced tumor volume and induced apoptosis via increase up regulation of gene expression of caspase-3 and cytochromec in tumor tissue. Histological examination of tumor tissues confirmed the biochemical results. In conclusion, crude extract and sulfated extract have antitumor and radiosenstizing activities against Ehrlich solid tumor via enhancement of apoptotic markers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 281-289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative review of breadfruit seeds (Treculia africana, Artocarpus nobilis, and Artocarpus heterophyllus): Nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and processing techniques","authors":"Laurine Korpoo Hill ,&nbsp;Arun Kumar Gupta ,&nbsp;Pratiksha ,&nbsp;Maanas Sharma ,&nbsp;Avinash Kumar Jha","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.03.062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.03.062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review highlights the critical issue of protein deficiency, impacting over 170 million preschool children and nursing mothers in developing nations. It focuses on <em>Treculia africana Decne</em> (African breadfruit), a species extensively cultivated and consumed in diverse forms. Despite its prevalence, limited assessments have been conducted on the nutritional content of breadfruit seeds when prepared using traditional household methods. This review explores the processing techniques, nutritional composition, and bioactive compounds of breadfruit seeds and provides a comparative analysis of different species, including <em>Treculia africana, Artocarpus nobilis</em> (Ceylon breadfruit), and <em>Artocarpus heterophyllus</em>. The seeds, particularly those processed via fermentation, show potential for incorporation into food products and traditional medicinal applications. By underscoring the nutritional and functional properties of African breadfruit and its seeds, this review contributes valuable insights into addressing protein malnutrition. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of locally sourced plant proteins and their role in enhancing global dietary practices, particularly in regions facing nutritional challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 290-301"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143869111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antifungal activity, mechanistic insights, and combinatorial effects of Pycnocycla bashagardiana essential oil against Aspergillus fumigatus","authors":"Davoud Dehghan-Nayeri ,&nbsp;Jinous Asgarpanah ,&nbsp;Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi ,&nbsp;Sima Sadat Seyedjavadi ,&nbsp;Golbarg Saremi ,&nbsp;Ali Eslamifar ,&nbsp;Fatemehsadat Jamzivar ,&nbsp;Farnoush Asghari-Paskiabi ,&nbsp;Mehdi Goudarzi ,&nbsp;Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pycnocycla bashagardiana</em> (Apiaceae family) which grows in the subtropical biome from West Tropical Africa to India has received special attention for its health benefits and therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of <em>P. bashagardiana</em> essential oil (PBEO) against <em>A. fumigatus</em> as a life-threatening fungal pathogen. The PBEO was prepared by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antifungal activity of the PBEO (125–8000 µg/mL) was examined by microbioassay technique in 6-well microplates. The ergosterol content of fungal mycelia was measured by spectrophotometry and the ultrastructure of fungal compartments was evaluated using electron microscopy. The synergistic effects of the PBEO with voriconazole and amphotericin B were determined according to the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The PBEO contained 35 compounds which comprised 95.1 % of the EO with myristicin (31.8 %), cis-Isomyristicin (12.2 %), and (E)-β-Ocimene (8.5 %) as the main constituents. The MIC and IC₅₀ of PBEO against <em>A. fumigatus</em> were determined as 1000 μg/mL and 719.4 μg/mL, respectively. The PBEO strongly inhibited ergosterol synthesis in the range of 13.12–86.24 % and showed synergistic antifungal activity with both voriconazole (FICI=0.3503) and amphotericin B (FICI=0.3757). Ultrastructural results revealed pathologic changes including attenuation of the fungal cell wall, destruction of cell membrane and hyphae organelles such as mitochondria, detachment of cell membrane from the cell wall, shrinkage of fungal hyphae, vacuolation of cytoplasm and depletion of cytoplasmic contents. Concerning the strong antifungal activity of PBEO and synergistic effect with amphotericin B and voriconazole evidenced for the first time in the present work, it could be considered a potential candidate in the treatment of <em>A. fumigatus</em>-induced fungal infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 272-280"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143858893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the leafy coriander Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae): A comprehensive review on the metabolomics properties","authors":"Rai Anujna ,&nbsp;M. Mohanalakshmi ,&nbsp;V. Rajashree ,&nbsp;R. Renuka ,&nbsp;P. Meenakshi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leafy coriander often regarded as “cilantro” has drawn increasing attention since it serves as a vegetable medley and flavour enhancer in cuisines worldwide, among the different parts of the coriander being used. The short growing season, greater demand, high nutritional content, low initial cost, minimal input requirements, and greater yields have all contributed to the recent surge in popularity of leafy coriander compared with the popularity of coriander grown for its seeds. Evolutionary roots, extensive genome sequencing have explored the evolutionary links and genetic diversity of coriander, delving into its phylogenomics. Molecular breeding based on modern novel genetic variants offers immense opportunity to evolve new varieties with improved leaf quality. Cilantro is a major source of antioxidants and acts as a natural supplement of antioxidants rather than synthetic antioxidants in the pharmaceutical industry. Ultimately, exploring variants for improved leaf quality, adaptation mechanisms and ethnomedicinal value guarantees improved conservation, food safety and security. Given that it has a safe profile, it can be used to treat ailments and alleviate nutrient shortages. The phytoremediation of contaminated soils, aromatherapy for anxiolysis and potential alternative properties of biofuel are some of the other emerging potential uses. The present review emphasizes the phylogenetic, nutritional, metabolomics and pharmacological value of coriander in the context of leaves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 258-271"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of a novel potyvirus from the nickel-hyperaccumulating plant Senecio coronatus in South Africa","authors":"Dongjin Choi ,&nbsp;Stuart K. Meier ,&nbsp;Hyerin Park ,&nbsp;Seungwoo Baek ,&nbsp;Myeung Seok Choi ,&nbsp;Robert A. Ingle ,&nbsp;Yoonsoo Hahn","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Senecio coronatus</em>, commonly known as the woolly grassland senecio, is a perennial plant endemic to southern Africa. It is widely distributed across grassland biomes including the ultramafic outcrops of the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa where some populations have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate the toxic element nickel in their shoot tissues. In this study, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing of healthy <em>S. coronatus</em> plants collected from this region. Analysis of the transcriptome data revealed the coding-complete sequence of a latently infected RNA virus genome, tentatively named Senecio coronatus virus 1 (SenCoV1). The SenCoV1 genome is 9632 nucleotides long and encodes a large polyprotein of 3132 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that the polyprotein shares 56.9 % amino acid identity with that of plum pox virus, a well-characterized member of the genus <em>Potyvirus</em> (family <em>Potyviridae</em>), suggesting that SenCoV1 is a novel member of this genus. The genome contains nine conserved putative proteolytic cleavage sites, yielding ten mature potyviral peptides, and includes the RNA polymerase slippage sequence GAAAAAAA, with seven adenine residues, facilitating the translation of the transframe fusion protein P3N-PIPO. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that SenCoV1 is a distinct and highly divergent member of the genus <em>Potyvirus</em>. This study highlights the utility of transcriptome datasets for uncovering cryptic viral diversity and provides new insights into the evolutionary complexity of plant RNA viruses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 232-235"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimycobacterial compounds isolated from medicinal plants: A South African comprehensive review","authors":"N.I Mongalo,&nbsp;MV Raletsena","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current review aims at documenting the antimycobacterial compounds and derivatives against a plethora of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Mycobacteria. In South Africa, the indigenous people of different ethnic groups use medicinal plants to treat various Mycobacterial infections. However, the active ingredients, mode of action and safety profiles are not known to such lay people. A total of 117 antimycobacterial compounds were isolated, characterised, and synthesised from 35 medicinal plants belonging to 24 different families. The most dominant family was Asteraceae (20.83 %), followed by Combretaceae (16.67 %), and then Lamiaceae (12.5 %), Malvaceae and Rutaceae with 8.33 % apiece. The diversity of such compounds favoured the naphthoquinones (22.22 %), flavonoids (19.66 %), triterpenes (14.53 %), terpenes (10.26 %), steroids and glycosides (7.69 %), and coumarins (5.13 %). Naphthoquinones are well studies and compounds such as 7-methyljuglone and shinanolone from <em>Euclea natalensis</em> exhibited notable MIC values as low as 0.50 and 3.74 µg/ml against <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> and <em>Mycobacterium bovis</em> respectively. Several compounds showed potent antimycobacterial activity against both drug-sensitive and drug resistant strains of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em>. However, the toxicology and mode of action of many of the antimycobacterial compounds documented in the current paper remains unexplored. The <em>in vivo</em> studies and clinical trials are still lagging, making the antimycobacterial research less likely to yield possible antimycobacterial drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, alleviating antimicrobial pressure of the readily available antibiotics within the health sector. However, the <em>in vitro</em> bioactivity of the reported compounds from various medicinal plants serves as a first step towards eradicating various human and animal mycobacterial infections worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 236-257"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hirsutolide isolated from Arctotis fastuosa induces apoptosis and inhibits viability, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 breast cancer cell","authors":"Sana A. Fadil ,&nbsp;Najat Binothman ,&nbsp;Ahmed R. Yonbawi ,&nbsp;Ahmad J. Almalki ,&nbsp;Rawan H. Hareeri ,&nbsp;Abrar Ashi ,&nbsp;Marwa Alsulaimany ,&nbsp;Yousef Almoghrabi ,&nbsp;Hussam Daghistani ,&nbsp;Hadeel H. Alshangiti ,&nbsp;Lamiaa A. Shaala ,&nbsp;Azza A. Khalifa ,&nbsp;Ameen M. Almohammadi ,&nbsp;Diaa T.A. Youssef ,&nbsp;Faris A. Alkhilaiwi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Breast cancer represents the most prevalent malignancy in the female population, significantly contributing to cancer-related mortality rates. However, the excessive consumption of anticancer therapies may result in adverse effects. Therefore, developing natural materials exhibiting superior anticancer properties holds significant relevance. In this study hirsutolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, was isolated from aerial parts of the Egyptian plant <em>Arctotis fastuosa</em>. The phytochemical analysis resulted in the effective isolation and structural confirmation of hirsutolide, which was identified using a range of spectroscopy techniques. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that hirsutolide had strong cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells with (IC₅₀ = 62.3 µM), while exhibiting slighter toxicity towards MRC-5 cells (IC₅₀ = 155.1 µM). Using annexin V-FITC assay, treatment of MCF7 cells with 31.1 µM for 48 h resulted in a significant increase in total apoptosis percentage from 39 % to 60 %. Additionally, Caspase 3 expression level was increased after treatment. Moreover, hirsutolide effectively inhibited cell migration and invasion in MCF-7 cells. Docking studies suggested that hirsutolide binds to the Bcl2 active site, potentially influencing apoptotic pathways. These findings highlight hirsutolide's promising potential as a therapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 223-231"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative profiling of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of extracts from selected medicinal plants: Implications for mitigating obesity-related inflammation","authors":"Mlungisi F. Mngoma ,&nbsp;Lembe S. Magwaza ,&nbsp;Asanda Mditshwa ,&nbsp;Samson Z. Tesfay ,&nbsp;Blessing N Mkhwanazi ,&nbsp;Mbukeni A Nkomo","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obesity is a metabolic disorder, contributing to various health complications, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Increased use of plant extracts to reduce obesity risk reflects consumer preference for natural remedies and scientific validation for their safety and efficacy. This study profiled bioactive compounds in methanolic extracts from the leaves and roots of <em>Merwilla plumbea</em> (Lindl.) Speta<em>, Hypoxis hemerocallidea</em> Fisch<em>, Eucomis autumnalis</em> (Mill.) Chitt<em>,</em> and <em>Pentanisia prunelloides</em> (Klotzsch) Walp. The objective was to explore and compare the medicinal properties of distinct plant parts for their potential to mitigate obesity-induced inflammation. <em>P. prunelloides</em> leaves and roots had higher concentrations of phenolics (123.92 mg/mL and 110.01 mg/mL) and flavonoids (44.4 mg/mL and 55.05 mg/mL), respectively. Gallotannins were significantly higher in <em>H. hemerocallidea</em> roots (5.19 mg/mL) while proanthocyanidins were predominantly found in <em>P. prunelloides</em> roots (35.77 mg/mL). The antioxidant activity was assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA) assays. <em>P. prunelloides</em> roots had higher FRAP (2.97 mg/mL) and moderate DPPH (RSA) (52.89 %) while <em>M. plumbea</em> roots had the highest DPPH RSA (80.86 %) and lower FRAP (2.25 mg/mL). <em>E. autumnalis</em> roots and leaves showed FRAP values of 2.78 and 2.13 mg/mL, and DPPH RSA of 80.72 and 74.54 %, respectively. The results revealed that all plants investigated had considerable amounts of bioactive compounds with <em>P. prunelloides</em> showing the highest concentration, highlighting its potential for further pharmaceutical and nutraceutical exploration. Further research validating the bioactivity of key compounds in vivo, exploring seasonal variations, and assessing optimal harvesting practices is paramount for the sustainable utilization of these medicinal plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 162-171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Myricitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin from Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana alleviate liver injury in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats","authors":"Fatima El-Ghazouani ,&nbsp;Oukacha Amri ,&nbsp;Abdellah Bouhaimi ,&nbsp;Abderrahmane Zekhnini","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Acacia tortilis</em> ssp. <em>raddiana</em> has traditionally been employed to treat liver disorders. However, its hepatoprotective properties remain unexplored. This study investigated the phenolic composition, antioxidant potential, and hepatoprotective effects of the plant's ethanolic leaf extract. LC-MS analysis identified 11 phenolic compounds in the extract, with the glycosylated flavonoids myricitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin being the most abundant. The extract exhibited potent antioxidant capacity, demonstrated by a DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 149.77 µg DW/mL and a ferric reducing antioxidant power value of 717.02 µmol TEAC/g DW. CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats significantly elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, alongside increased malondialdehyde and decreased catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in liver homogenates. Pretreatment with the plant extract at 150 and 250 mg/kg BW effectively ameliorated these biomarkers, restoring them near control levels. Histopathological analysis corroborated these findings, revealing a marked preservation of liver tissue integrity and a reduction in hepatocyte degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration at both dosages. These hepatoprotective effects could be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of myricitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin. Acute toxicity evaluation at a dose of 2000 mg/kg BW revealed no mortality or signs of toxicity. These findings show that <em>A. tortilis</em> ssp. <em>raddiana</em> possesses properties that may contribute to liver protection against toxic substances, warranting further investigation into its potential therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 172-180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plant growth regulator studies and emerging biotechnological approaches in Artemisia annua L.: A comprehensive overview","authors":"Dexter Achu Mosoh","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.04.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Artemisia annua</em> L., a prominent Chinese medicinal plant, serves as the primary commercial source of artemisinin, a potent anti-plasmodial compound critical in malaria treatment. However, global artemisinin demand significantly exceeds supply due to the plant's low natural yield (0.1–0.9 % dry weight). Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are a versatile class of agrochemicals capable of modulating plant growth, physiology, and metabolism. Acting individually or through cross-talk in complex signaling cascades, PGRs elicit specific responses that enhance biomass and secondary metabolite production. In <em>A. annua</em>, strategic PGR applications have shown great potential to improve both <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> growth dynamics, stress resilience, and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds like artemisinin.</div><div>Recent advancements in biotechnological strategies, including <em>in vitro</em> culture systems, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess optimization, have demonstrated the potential of PGRs to maximize artemisinin production. These strategies leverage rapid micropropagation, molecular approaches (including transgenics), and cell-based culture techniques to enhance crop yield and secondary metabolite content. Furthermore, omics-driven research has provided detailed insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning PGR-mediated artemisinin biosynthesis, enabling precise and targeted applications and thus offering sustainable solutions to meet rising global demands.</div><div>This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the biotechnological applications of PGRs in <em>A. annua</em>. It highlights the fundamental roles of plant hormones and their interactions in regulating responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The review also emphasizes the targeted exogenous application of PGRs in plant regeneration through tissue culture, secondary metabolite elicitation, and the optimization of the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway. Furthermore, this work highlights the need to integrate PGRs and transgenic plant applications in <em>A. annua</em> as part of an innovative and scalable strategy that combines biotechnological tools, omics insights, and field validation. This review offers valuable insights for researchers and students in plant biotechnology, providing practical knowledge to advance the cultivation and metabolic optimization of <em>A. annua</em> for enhanced artemisinin production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"181 ","pages":"Pages 181-222"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}