Stressing Conditions as Tools to Boost the Biosynthesis of Valuable Plant Natural Products

Abstract

There is a consensus that plants are great sources of metabolites with a broad variety of functions. This is particularly important because plants cannot run away from environmental conditions that can threat their existence. The numerous biological activities exhibited by plant natural products prompted humanity to use such substances or their derivatives for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases. The more we know the flora around the world the higher is the chance to find new lead compounds for the design of more potent drugs or nutraceuticals. This review first deals with Brazilian flora, contextualizing the most studied medicinal species and related patents. It also describes a compilation of relevant works based on the use of stress conditions to enhance the biosynthesis of valuable metabolites in cell cultures, tissue cultures (hairy roots) and whole plants by using native or crop plants around the world.

An overview on the potential of natural products as ureases inhibitors: A review

“…The diversity of chemical structure makes natural products very valuable to pharmaceutical industries and agricultural segments as well. Natural products from plants, in particular, have been a great source of inspiration for improving human and animal life quality as disease therapeutics and also for increasing food resources [31–36] .…”

Rise of the killer plants: investigating the antimicrobial activity of Australian plants to enhance biofilter-mediated pathogen removal

“…However, inconsistencies in activity can arise due to differing levels of exposure to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Indeed, applying various stressing conditions has established efficacy for enhancing secondary metabolite production, including antimicrobials, in plants [54]. Upon further investigation, the M. hypericifolia individual demonstrating the lowest activity against E. faecalis (MIC = 16 mg/mL) was situated in a more shaded, higher altitude site with higher rainfall relative to other sampling locations (Karwarra Garden, Mt.…”

“…species/genotype, age, health, biomass), environmental physicochemical factors (e.g. UV intensity, altitude, temperature, moisture availability, salinity, nutrients, pH), and the soil microbial population (abundance of plant pathogens and commensals/mutualists) [54–59] . Litter deposition rates are also influenced by prevailing environmental conditions, with many south-eastern Australian plants depositing larger litter volumes in summer [60].…”