Work

Geographical variations in Polygonatum polysaccharides and saponins biosynthesis in Polygonatum species

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polygonatum is an important source of polygonatum polysaccharides (PSPs) and saponins. However, the low environmental adaptability of plants producing bioactive components impedes their industrial development. In this study, three Chinese pharmacopoeias of Polygonatum were collected from three important populations covering a wide geographical area from northwest to south China. Variations in metabolites of PSPs and saponins biosynthesis pathway were determined. Moreover, the specialized metabolites showed regional variations across a large geographical scale. Among the environmental variables assessed, daily precipitation amount and elevation appear to have a significant impact on total saponins content. Similarly, sunshine duration and relative humidity appear to have a significant impact on the variation in PSPs content. Furthermore, correlation analysis of transcriptome and important metabolites reveals differences in the expression of genes related to the biosynthetic pathway of three Polygonatum species. Two potential candidate genes, GPI and CAS , have been identified as being respectively involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of PSPs and saponins. This study provides valuable information to understand the effect of environmental factors and key genes on the production of bioactive chemicals in medicinal crops. • The PSPs and saponins showed regional variations across a large geographical scale. • Daily precipitation amount and elevation appear to have a significant impact on total saponins content. • Sunshine duration and relative humidity appear to have a significant impact on the variation in PSPs content. • Two potential candidate genes, GPI and CAS , have been identified as being respectively involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of PSPs and saponins.

Source: Industrial Crops and Products

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.120814

Authors: Zihao Li, Zixuan Hu, Yikang Zhao, Lin Yang, Huaxuan Tang, Jiaru Li

Institutions: Jiangxi Agricultural University, Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice

Language: English

Topic: Traditional Chinese Medicine Analysis

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,720