Journal of Medicinal Plants Biotechnology

Abstract

Abstract Borage, generally known as Iranian Borage flower (scientific name Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A. Mey.), is among the important, well-known, and widely used medicinal plants in human medicinal history and holds a special place in various cultures and folklores, particularly in Iran. This plant appears to rank after thyme in the list of the most consumed plants in Iran. Across the world, the flowers and leaves of E. amoenum are utilized for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of stress, cardiovascular diseases, cough, and lung disorders, as well as for their tonic and sedative properties. This plant is native to limited regions of northern and northwestern Iran and the Caucasus and it also grows in many parts of Europe, Western Asia, and North America, where it is often found growing wild along riverbanks. Iranian borage is considered one of the most valuable and popular medicinal plants in Iran. The Boraginaceae family comprises more than 130 genera and 2300 species. The Echium genus includes 67 species. According to global research, Iranian cowpea contains natural bioactive compounds with health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and immunoregulatory properties. In traditional medicine, the petals of this plant are used as a diuretic, pain reliever, diaphoretic, and blood pressure reducer. The principal constituents of this plant are polyphenols, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids. This plant has seeds rich in alpha-linolenic and gammalinolenic essential fatty acids, which are among the fatty acids required for the formation of prostaglandins involved in the synthesis of the nerve myelin sheath. For this reason, it is used in the preparation of medicinal supplements to prevent neurological diseases such as MS. Genetic diversity, as well as the use of biotechnological methods such as cell culture and callus culture in this plant, is among the approaches for producing secondary metabolites that has been studied by numerous researchers and is discussed in this article. Most of the conducted research has been based on micro-proliferation. The nutritional medium used was Murashige and Skoog, and most of the hormones applied were 42-dichloroethoxyacetic acid, naphthalene acetic acid, and 6-benzylaminourea, or a combination of them.

Abstract Artichoke medicinal plant (Cynara scolymus L.) is a herbaceous, diploid and perennial plant. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Asteracea family. It is rich

in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, inulin, coumarins, terpenes, dietary fibre, enzymes, polysaccharides, minerals and vitamins Several studies have shown that artichokes have properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,. Due to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of this plant, which contains very little fat and high levels of minerals, vitamin C, fiber, inulin, polyphenols, hydroxycinnamates and flavones. But its most effective substance can be related to polyphenols, which are mainly composed of mono and dicaffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. The first research related to tissue culture in this plant dates back to 1973. The first reports on the secondary metabolites of this plant were on synaropecarin, which was recorded and reported for the first time in 1960 by Suchy and his colleagues.Optimization of different physical conditions such as temperature, aeration, light stirring and chemical factors such as addition of growth regulators and precursors to culture media for in vitro production of these active compounds are described. Furthermore, cultures of transformed hairy roots, induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection, have been discussed as an important technique to maximize the production of secondary metabolites in vitro. In this research, a general overview of the history and the time trend of biotechnology research has been made, and the problems, results, and research findings of the world's researchers have been collected.

Abstract The medicinal plant garlic (Allium sativum L.) is known for its synthesis of allicin, a defense molecule that exhibits various biological activities. Traditional medicine uses this medicinal plant to alleviate numerous diseases due to the wide range of effects of garlic. Allicin is produced from alliin during the cutting of garlic by the activity of the enzyme allinase and is effective against a wide range of microorganisms. Allicin is hydrophobic in nature, can efficiently cross cell membranes, and behaves as an active sulfur species inside cells. It is a physiologically active molecule with the ability to oxidize the thiol groups of glutathione and between cysteine residues in proteins. Allicin is physiologically active in microbial, plant, and mammalian cells. Allicin can inhibit the proliferation of bacteria and fungi in a dose-dependent manner or kill cells completely. In addition, in mammalian cell lines, including cancer cells, allicin causes cell death and inhibits cell proliferation. In plants, allicin prevents seed germination and reduces root growth. The study showed that allicin has a wide range of pharmacological activities. Allicin has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer properties, the ability to reduce cardiovascular diseases, improve the immune system and regulate blood sugar. The antimicrobial and antioxidant functions of allicin are due to the reaction of allicin with the thiol group of various enzymes, respectively; to inhibit the metabolism of cysteine protease and to trap free radicals. Allicin prevents the occurrence and progression of cancer by blockin

Abstract Abstract
Plant tissue culture is recognized as a key tool in various research fields, especially in the area of medicinal plants. These techniques are employed for mass propagation, conservation, and production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. There are various methods for in-vitro culture, including micropropagation, axillary bud culture, organ culture, root and callus culture, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, and cell suspension culture. Since cell suspension culture and callus are typically preferred for producing plant chemicals, following root and shoot cultures as well as somatic embryogenesis, these methods play a significant role in optimizing the production of secondary metabolites. However, one of the major challenges in plant tissue culture is the potential occurrence of somaclonal variation, which can result from genetic mutations or changes in epigenetic markers. These variations particularly arise in highly differentiated explants and during the callus stage. Additionally, the occurrence of somaclonal variation may pose a barrier to successful in-vitro propagation and preservation of germplasm. This issue is especially critical in cases where maintaining the genetic and biochemical characteristics of medicinal plants is important. In the present study, the potential somaclonal variations resulting from the tissue culture of medicinal plants and their implications for the production of secondary metabolites are examined and discussed. This research can contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of tissue culture for the production of medicinal plants and valuable metabolites.

Abstract The genus Thymus is one of the plants with a Mediterranean distribution. This plant has about 350 species and in Iran there are 14 species of aromatic and perennial plants that grow in mountainous areas and have an important impact on treatment, health and various industries due to having more than 20 types of major known chemical compounds. The percentage of thyme essential oil varies between 0.8 and 1.4 and most of its components include phenolic compounds, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Thymol is the main component of phenolic compounds in the thyme plant. Thyme leaves are used in food products and the plant's essential oils is used in various beverages and pharmaceutical, health and cosmetic industries. Thyme oil has properties such as antispasmodic, carminative, antifungal, antibacterial, disinfectant, anthelmintic, antirheumatic, expectorant, antioxidant, natural food preservative and delaying the aging of mammals. Thyme essential oil is one of the ten famous essential oils that has a special place in global trade. This study provides a general overview of scientific research and findings, especially the species and morphological and phytochemical diversity of the Thyme genus. So far, much research has been conducted on this genus, but due to the high diversity of species in this genus, as well as diverse climatic and ecological effects and numerous subspecies, there is no appropriate conclusion in this regard. It is hoped that by summarizing the findings of the researchers, a new horizon can be opened in the study of endemic species of Iran and high-yielding varieties worldwide.

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Medicinal plants, as valuable sources of secondary metabolites, play a vital role in various industries. However, the natural production of these compounds is often limited. This review article aims to systematically examine the role and mechanisms of action of nanoparticles (including metallic, non-metallic, and carbon types) as novel elicitors for enhancing the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants.
Method and Theoretical Principles: The foundation of this review is based on the analysis of existing scientific evidence, which indicates that nanoparticles activate plant defense signaling pathways by inducing mild oxidative stress and generating reactive oxygen species. This process, in turn, leads to the modulation of key gene expression and the regulation of enzyme activities involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.
Results: Nanoparticles boost biosynthesis of phenols (2.3‑fold), flavonoids (80%), alkaloids, and essential oils (230%). For instance, essential oil in yarrow rose by 230% and silymarin in milk thistle by 75%. This review covers the shared and distinct mechanisms of these nano‑elicitors in various plants.
Conclusion: In summary, nanoparticles represent a promising and powerful strategy for the sustainable enhancement of the production of plant metabolites with high commercial value. The future perspective of this field includes optimizing the type, size, and concentration of nanoparticles for specific species, more detailed investigation of signaling pathways at the molecular level, and comprehensive assessment of the safety and regulations associated with the use of this technology in agriculture and industry.