Search Results (43)

Gastrodia elata Blume is an important medicinal orchid, yet its large-scale cultivation is increasingly threatened by fungal diseases. The 4-coumarate–CoA ligase (4CL) gene family directs a key step in phenylpropanoid metabolism and plant defence, but its composition and function in G. elata have not been investigated. We mined the G. elata genome for 4CL homologues, mapped their chromosomal locations, and analysed their gene structures, conserved motifs, phylogenetic relationships, promoter cis-elements and codon usage bias. Publicly available transcriptomes were used to examine tissue-specific expression and responses to fungal infection. Subcellular localisation of selected proteins was verified by transient expression in Arabidopsis protoplasts. Fourteen Ge4CL genes were identified and grouped into three clades. Two members, Ge4CL2 and Ge4CL5, were strongly upregulated in tubers challenged with fungal pathogens. Ge4CL2 localised to the nucleus, whereas Ge4CL5 localised to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Codon usage analysis suggested that Escherichia coli and Oryza sativa are suitable heterologous hosts for Ge4CL expression. This study provides the first genome-wide catalogue of 4CL genes in G. elata and suggests that Ge4CL2 and Ge4CL5 may participate in antifungal defence, although functional confirmation is still required. The dataset furnishes a foundation for functional characterisation and the molecular breeding of disease-resistant G. elata cultivars. Full article

Combined abiotic stresses often impose greater challenges to plant survival than individual stresses. In this study, we focused on elucidating the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the response of Dendrobium huoshanense to combined salt and heat stress by integrating physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses. Our results demonstrated that high temperature plays a dominant role in the combined stress response. Physiological assays showed increased oxidative damage under combined stress, accompanied by significant activation of antioxidant enzyme systems (SOD, POD, CAT). Metabolomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of glutathione metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, with key antioxidants such as glutathione and naringenin chalcone accumulating under combined stress. Transcriptomic data supported these findings, showing differential regulation of stress-related genes, including those involved in reactive oxygen species scavenging and secondary metabolism. These results highlight a coordinated defense strategy in D. huoshanense, involving both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems to maintain redox homeostasis under combined stress. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying combined stress tolerance and lays the foundation for improving stress resilience in medicinal orchids. Full article

As an endemic epiphytic orchid of Hainan Island, Dendrobium sinense exhibits remarkable ecological and economic value, serving important ornamental and medicinal purposes. The combination of its epiphytic growth habit and the distinct dry season in Hainan (November–May) under the subtropical monsoon climate makes D. sinense particularly vulnerable to recurrent drought stress. Therefore, elucidating its drought tolerance mechanisms offers critical insights for both conservation strategies and stress resistance studies in D. sinense. Using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress, chlorophyll content decreased significantly with increasing PEG concentration, while MDA and proline content, SOD, POD CAT, and APX activity showed a significant increase. The analysis of physiological indicators indicated that plants have been subjected to drought stress. We then conducted the joint analysis of the metabolomics and transcriptomics data. Cluster analysis of differentially expressed genes and metabolites showed that drought stress markedly upregulates phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, with ferulic acid (FA) identified as a pivotal metabolite. Exogenous FA application alleviated drought-induced chlorophyll degradation in D. sinense seedlings. Heterologous expression of DsCOMT (a key FA biosynthetic gene) in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced drought survival. These results demonstrate the crucial role of FA in drought resistance and provide key insights into drought-related metabolic mechanisms. Full article

Aging is a significant risk factor for various conditions, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decline in antioxidant defense are mechanisms that are widely acknowledged as causing the acceleration of both aging and the onset of age-related diseases. To promote longevity and reduce the risk of the development of aging-related disorders, it is essential to prevent or minimize oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant defense. It has been shown that Anoectochilus burmannicus (AB), a jewel orchid rich in phenolic compounds, can impact various biological activities associated with aging prevention. These activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-insulin resistance, and anti-obesity effects. The aim of this study was to explore whether AB extract (ABE) could serve as an anti-aging agent using a Sod1-deficient Drosophila model, which accelerates the process of aging through ROS production. The results demonstrated that ABE, at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, significantly extended the lifespan of the flies and helped maintain their locomotor activity as they aged. ABE also reduced the age-related accumulation of damaged proteins in the muscle of the flies by inhibiting the expression of Gstd1, a genetic marker for oxidative stress. This finding agrees with those from in vitro experiments, which have shown the potential for ABE to reduce the production of ROS induced by H₂O₂ in myoblasts. ABE has been shown to attenuate insulin resistance, an age-related disorder, by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, which in turn increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes. These findings suggest a promising role of ABE as an ingredient in functional foods or nutraceuticals aimed at promoting health, preventing oxidative stress, and potentially managing age-associated diseases. Full article

Background: Mexico, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, holds a rich tradition of using medicinal plants to manage chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Despite their historical significance, the scientific validation of these plants’ mechanisms and safety remains limited. Natural products have shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin resistance, and promoting vasodilation. Prostachea livida (Lindl.) W.E.Higgins, a native orchid, is believed to possess therapeutic properties, yet its pharmacological effects are unexplored. Objective: The current investigation is aimed to bridge traditional knowledge and scientific evidence by investigating the antidiabetic, vasodilatory and antihypertensive activities of a 1:1 dichloromethane and methanol extract from Prosthechea livida bulbs, alongside an evaluation of its pharmacological safety. Methods: Antidiabetic effects of the extract were evaluated in a non-insulin-dependent mouse model using a 100 mg/kg dose. Vasodilatory activity was assessed ex vivo using rat aortic rings, exploring its mechanism through calcium channel blockade. Antihypertensive effects were evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats, while acute and subacute toxicity tests were conducted in a murine model. Results: The extract significantly reduced glycemia between 1, 3, 5, and 7 h compared to the positive control (* p = 0.04, *** p < 0.001) and induced vasorelaxation but showed no antihypertensive effects in vivo. Toxicity tests indicated no severe damage, though elevated transaminase activity and increased liver weight were observed. Histopathological analysis revealed minimal hepatocellular lesions with active regeneration. Conclusions: Prosthechea livida demonstrates potential in the discovery of active metabolites to treat diabetes, with significant hypoglycemic and vasorelaxant effects and promising pharmacological safety. Further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic applications and ensure its safe integration. Full article

The critically endangered orchid Dendrobium officinale, valued for its medicinal properties, depends on specific seedling-associated mycorrhizal fungi (SAMF) for successful early-stage seedling development. However, conservation efforts are often hindered by difficulties in obtaining suitable SAMF, leading to poor seedling establishment in both natural and cultivated environments. In this study, we explored the growth-promoting effects of SAMF and evaluated the performances of synthetic fungal combinations. Our results demonstrated that mycorrhizal fungi, widely distributed across multiple habitats with high isolation frequencies, significantly promoted the growth of D. officinale, with specific fungi favoring different growth parameters. Tulasnella sp. TP-2 and TP-3 significantly improved stem diameter and plant height by 2.622 mm and 4.621 cm, while Tulasnella sp. TP-8 significantly increased tillering by a factor of 4.47. Additionally, Tulasnella sp. TP-11 and TP-13 markedly increased the number of new leaves (4.45) and new roots (2.688), respectively, identifying them as essential core OMFs for D. officinale seedlings. Contrary to expectations, synthetic fungal combinations composed of core orchid mycorrhizal fungi (core OMFs) did not exhibit synergistic growth-promoting effects. Instead, pronounced offset effects were observed, indicating that interactions between fungi may introduce competition or inhibition, limiting their collective ability to enhance plant growth. Our results confirmed that the core OMFs significantly promoted the growth of D. officinale seedlings. These core OMFs can serve as essential components in specialized microbial fertilizers for D. officinale, improving growth efficiency and yield, and supporting the sustainable development of the D. officinale industry. Full article

A Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f., known as Bai Ji in Chinese, is a plant from the Orchidaceae family that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years in China. B. striata holds significant economic value due to its esteemed medicinal applications. Our study aimed to analyze the transcriptome of wild B. striata tubers across multiple years to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating polysaccharide metabolism and tuber enlargement. We collected wild B. striata samples of different growth ages and analyzed their chemical composition, including total phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and proteins. The results showed that the content of these compounds varied with the growth age of the plants. Our study focused on analyzing the genes associated with growth years and accelerating the seedling growth cycle, which holds immense value for the preservation and optimal utilization of superior B. striata orchid resources. To further investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis to explore gene expression, functional annotation, and regulatory networks related to the development and chemical composition of B. striata tubers. The quality of perennial medicinal herbs is intricately linked to their growth age. Unfortunately, excessive wild resource excavation has resulted in the premature harvesting of these herbs, causing a decline in their overall quality and effectiveness. Our study offers valuable insights into the conservation and utilization of B. striata resources. Full article

Prosthechea karwinskii is an endemic orchid of Mexico with significant value for its traditional uses: ornamental, ceremonial, and medicinal. The pharmacological activity of this plant has been studied using specimens recovered from religious use during Holy Week in Oaxaca, Mexico, sourced from various localities within this state. Geographical variability can influence the chemical composition of plants, as environmental factors affect the production of their secondary metabolites, which impact their biological properties. This research evaluated the variability in the chemical composition of leaves and pseudobulbs of P. karwinskii obtained from different localities in Oaxaca, comprising 95–790 g and 376–3900 g of fresh material for leaves and pseudobulbs, respectively, per locality. Compounds were identified using UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS following ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic extraction. Twenty-one compounds were identified in leaves and twenty in pseudobulb. The findings revealed differences in chemical composition across localities and between leaves and pseudobulbs of the species. The Roaguia locality exhibited the highest extraction yield and pharmacological potential in leaves. For pseudobulbs, Cieneguilla specimens showed the highest yield, and El Lazo had the lowest yield but the highest pharmacological potential. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the variation in the chemical composition of a native Mexican orchid. In all localities, leaves and pseudobulbs contained compounds with known biological activity, validating the use of the species in traditional medicine and highlighting its potential for medical and biological applications. Full article

Dendrobine, a significant medicinal compound, typically accumulates at low concentrations within several Dendrobium species, including Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium catenatum, and Dendrobium moniliforme. As D. nobile and D. catenatum are established ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and have been cultivated extensively, they present ideal plant chassis for upscaling dendrobine production for industrial and research applications. This study employed two approaches: the ectopic overexpression of seven genes through multigene stacking and the activation of multiple key endogenous genes in the dendrobine synthesis pathway using CRISPR/Act3.0 in either D. nobile or D. catenatum. These methods enhanced dendrobine production in transiently infiltrated leaves by 30.1% and transgenic plants by 35.6%. The study is the first to apply CRISPR/Act3.0 to Dendrobium orchids, enhancing dendrobine production, and thus laying a solid foundation for further improvements. CRISPR/Act3.0 is a recently developed technique that demonstrates high efficiency in model plant species, including rice, maize, and Arabidopsis. By combining CRISPR with transcriptional regulatory modules, activation of multiple endogenous genes in the metabolic pathway can be achieved. The successful application in orchid molecular breeding reveals promising potential for further exploration. Full article

Dendrobium is one of the most important orchids with high medicinal value. The diverse pharmacological activities of Dendrobium are attributed to its rich content of secondary metabolites. Due to the high variety and content of sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium, more studies on their pharmacological activities have been reported. More than 100 sesquiterpenoids have been isolated from the roots and stems of Dendrobium, and these compounds have been shown to play important roles in a variety of diseases. However, there is a lack of systematic summarization of the chemical structures and pharmacological activities of sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium Sw. Here, we reviewed the chemical structures of the sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium plants, classified them according to the skeleton types, and summarized their pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, with a view to laying a foundation for future studies on their pharmacological activity mechanisms and rational clinical applications. Full article

Thrombosis is the occlusion of a blood vessel and is responsible for the highest number of deaths worldwide. Its treatment comprises the use of anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics. Although many antithrombotic drugs are currently available, none is completely effective and safe. Plants are a valuable source of compounds with antithrombotic properties. Some orchid species have been used in traditional medicine for their antithrombotic properties. This review informs about the contribution of orchids in this field and the studies that have validated their properties. Full article

Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus (CPPP) is derived from the dried pseudobulb of the orchid family plants Cremastra appendiculata (D.Don) Makino, Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe, or Pleione yunnanensis Rolfe, and has the properties of clearing heat, detoxification, resolving phlegm, and dispersing nodules. It is frequently used for the treatment of various malignant tumors in clinical practice, especially lung cancer. CPPP is divided into two commercial specifications in the market, Maocigu (MCG) and Bingqiuzi (BQZ). However, owing to a lack of appropriate research strategies, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms involved have not yet been clarified. This study intended to discover the combination of effective anti-lung-cancer ingredients in CPPP and explore their potential mechanisms of action. In this study, UHPLC-MS fingerprints of MCG and BQZ were established separately. Inhibitory effects on the proliferative viability and migratory ability of A459 and H1299 cells were evaluated as pharmacodynamic indicators. GRA and BCA were used to determine spectrum–effect relationships. Next, the identification and analysis of components of drug-containing serum were performed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. Then, the results of the two analyses were combined to jointly screen out the anti-lung-cancer candidate active monomers of CPPP, and their in vitro activities were verified. Afterward, all effective ingredient combinations of MCG (MCGC) and BQZ (BQZC) were prepared according to their contents in the original medicinal materials. Their anti-lung-cancer activities in vitro and in vivo were compared and verified. Finally, we used the human lung cancer cell line A549 and the Lewis tumor xenograft model to investigate how BQZC would influence autophagy and apoptosis processes and the mechanisms involved. Overall, 11 predominant anti-lung-cancer active ingredients from CPPP were screened. Next, MCGC and BQZC were prepared according to their contents in the original medicinal materials, respectively, and their anti-tumor effects were equivalent to those of the original materials in vitro and in vivo. We found that BQZC could inhibit lung cancer cell growth and induce protective autophagy and apoptosis in lung cancer cells by activating the AMPK–mTOR–ULK1/BMF signaling pathway. These results provide important evidence for the clinical application and deep development of CPPP against tumors. Full article

Dendrobium species, which are perennial herbs widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, are notable for their therapeutic properties attributed to various bioactive compounds, including dendrobine-type sesquiterpenoid alkaloids (DTSAs). The objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the biosynthesis of DTSAs, including their extraction from Dendrobium species and endophytes, elucidation of associated genes through genomic and transcriptomic sequencing in both Dendrobium spp. and endophytes, exploration of the biosynthetic pathways of DTSAs, and drawing conclusions and outlining future perspectives in this field. Alkaloids, predominantly nitrogen-containing compounds found in medicinal orchids, include over 140 types discovered across more than 50 species. DTSAs, identified in 37 picrotoxane alkaloids, have a distinctive five-membered nitrogen heterocyclic ring. This review highlights endophytic fungi as alternative sources of DTSAs, emphasizing their potential in pharmaceutical applications when plant-derived compounds are scarce or complex. Genomic and transcriptomic sequencing of Dendrobium spp. and their endophytes has identified key genes involved in DTSAs biosynthesis, elucidating pathways such as the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways. Genes encoding enzymes, such as acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase and diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase, are positively associated with dendrobine production. Despite significant advancements, the complexity of terpenoid biosynthesis in different subcellular compartments remains a challenge. Future research should focus on leveraging high-quality genomic data and omics technologies to further understand and manipulate the biosynthetic pathways of DTSAs and enhance their medicinal use. Full article

Prosthechea karwinskii is an endemic orchid of Mexico with cultural significance for its ornamental, food, religious, and medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, diabetic patients use the leaves of this plant to lower glucose levels. The present study evaluated the effect of P. karwinskii leaves extract on the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in a model of obese rats with insulin resistance for its nutraceutical potential to reduce insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Obesity and insulin resistance were induced with 40% sucrose in water for 20 weeks. Four groups (control rats, obese rats, obese rats administered the extract, and obese rats administered metformin) were evaluated. Extract compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS. Glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and insulin resistance indices (HOMA-IR and TyG), as well as the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, increased in rats in the obese group. Administration of P. karwinskii extract and metformin reduced glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and insulin resistance indices and antioxidant enzyme activity to values similar to those of the control group. Therefore, this study shows the nutraceutical potential of P. karwinskii extract as an ingredient in the formulation of dietary supplements or functional foods to help treat diseases whose pathophysiology is related to oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Full article

Some species of the Orchidaceae family are used in Mexican traditional medicine. However, there are no current and critical compilations of the medicinal uses and pharmacological effects of the members of the Orchidaceae family. This review provides a current, critical, and comprehensive analysis of the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological reports, and active compounds isolated from Mexican orchids. A total of 62 Mexican orchids with medicinal potential have been recorded, of which 14 have scientific evidence. The remaining 48 plant species have ethnomedicinal information but have not been validated with scientific studies. These orchids are distributed in 14 states of the Mexican Republic, mainly in the southern region of Mexico. The most common pharmacological activities reported are anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, antinociceptive, antioxidant, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, and hallucinogenic activities. It is necessary to increase the number of pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological studies with medicinal orchids from Mexico because there are scientific studies on only 22.5% of these species. In further studies, it will be possible to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Mexican orchids in clinical trials. In addition, the mechanisms of action by which plant extracts and their active compounds exert medicinal effects remain to be studied. Plant extracts from orchids and their active compounds show promising antinociceptive and spasmolytic effects, respectively. Full article