Journal of Medicinal Plants Biotechnology

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.

Abstract Medicinal plants are used in various cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a perennial medicinal plant that has antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, lipid-lowering, and heart and liver-protecting properties due to its phenolic compounds (such as cynarin and caffeoylquinic), flavonoids, inulin, and volatile organic compounds (e.g., methyl salicylate, camphene, and alpha-terpinene). Tissue culture of medicinal plants is widely used to produce secondary metabolites. This study investigated the callus formation of artichoke from explants (leaflet, crown, and rootlet) in culture medium containing NAA (0, 3, and 6 mg L-1) and 2,4-D (0, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1) hormones. The results showed that callus formation occurred in all cultured explants. According to the results of callus weight and dimensions, the best explant for producing callus was the rootlet, and the leaflet had the weakest callus formation. Considering the largest callus dimensions (average 14.3 cm) in rootlet explants cultured in medium containing 6 mg L-1 NAA, rootlet explants and NAA hormone can be suggested for optimizing artichoke tissue culture and callus formation.