Responses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants to Engineered Nanoparticles

Abstract

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used by mankind since ancient times. This is primarily due to their healing effects associated with their specific secondary metabolites (some of which are also used as drugs in modern medicine), or their structures, served as a basis for the development of new effective synthetic drugs. One way to increase the production of these secondary metabolites is to use nanoparticles that act as elicitors. However, depending on the specific particle size, composition, concentration, and route of application, nanoparticles may have several other benefits on medicinal and aromatic plants (e.g., increased plant growth, improved photosynthesis, and overall performance). On the other hand, particularly at applications of high concentrations, they are able to damage plants mechanically, adversely affect morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants, and show cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial and adverse effects of metal-, metalloid-, and carbon-based nanoparticles on the germination, growth, and biochemical characteristics of a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants, including the corresponding mechanisms of action. The positive impact of nanopriming and application of nanosized fertilizers on medicinal and aromatic plants is emphasized. Special attention is paid to the effects of various nanoparticles on the production of valuable secondary metabolites in these plants cultivated in hydroponic systems, soil, hairy root, or in vitro cultures. The beneficial impact of nanoparticles on the alleviation of abiotic stresses in medicinal and aromatic plants is also discussed.

Increase in the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine Isatis indigotica through iron nanoparticles supplementation versus carbon nanotubes: a comparative study

“…The content of secondary metabolites in plants is closely related to environmental stresses, as secondary metabolites are involved in plant defense against environmental stresses. 42 Previous Environmental Science: Nano Paper reports suggested that NMs triggered oxidative responses and regulated the expression of secondary metabolites synthesis proteins, 10 which may effectively enhance the medicinal active ingredients of BLG. Therefore, we further examined the antioxidant system of BLG in response to the degree of plant stress (Fig.…”

“…9 Using NMs as inducers for increasing plant metabolite production is becoming an emerging approach. 10 The application of NMs may lead to a direct increase in plant production or an indirect increase in the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites by stimulating the stress system of the plant. 11,12 Among the various NMs studied, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 2 O 3 NPs) are considered as potential candidates for enhancing plant growth, defense systems, and metabolic acceleration with less toxicity.…”

“…17 However, high concentrations of treatment might cause toxicity to plants. 10 So far, the effects of CNTs and Fe 2 O 3 NPs on the growth and the content of medicinal ingredients of BLG have not been studied. Since the biological effects of NMs on plants are highly related to the physicochemical properties of the NMs, 18 the effects of CNTs and Fe 2 O 3 NPs on BLG growth might be different due to their distinct compositions, i.e., Fe 2 O 3 is metal based while CNTs are carbon based.…”

Alkaloids in Contemporary Drug Discovery to Meet Global Disease Needs

“…Over the years, the emergence and combination of nanotechnology to drug discovery has proven quite beneficial [221]. Reports indicate that the use of nanoparticles of perlite, perlite-TiO 2 , multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and MWCNT-COOH, among others, result in the improved yields of secondary metabolites from plants such as Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), Salvia verticillata L. (Lamiaceae), Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don (Apocynaceae), and Salvia nemorosa L. (Lamiaceae) [222]. Additionally, silver nanoparticles increased the production of tryptanthrin in Isatis constricta P.H.…”

Trimethoxycinnamates and Their Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity

“…More than a half of all small-molecule-approved drugs between 1981 and 2014 belong to groups of natural products or mimic natural products [1]. Many plant secondary metabolites [2] have also been used as model compounds for the subsequent development of synthetic drugs [3][4][5][6]. One such example is a cinnamic acid and its derivatives, e.g., coumaric acids, caffeic acid, ferulic acid or sinapic acid, which are widely distributed in many plants and assure their many physiological processes.…”