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Phytoecdysteroids: Distribution, Structural Diversity, Biosynthesis, Activity, and Crosstalk with Phytohormones
Yamshi Arif1, Priyanka Singh1, Andrzej Bajguz2
1Plant Physiology Section, Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 12, 2022
Summary
Phytoecdysteroids (PEs) are plant-derived compounds with insect hormone-like structures. These versatile molecules enhance plant stress tolerance and offer diverse pharmacological benefits in humans.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Natural product chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phytoecdysteroids (PEs) are polyhydroxylated compounds structurally similar to insect molting hormones and brassinosteroids.
- Plants synthesize PEs from acetyl-CoA via the mevalonate pathway, with over 500 identified in diverse plant species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse biological roles and properties of phytoecdysteroids.
- To highlight their significance in plant defense and potential human health applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of phytoecdysteroid synthesis, distribution, and biological activities.
- Analysis of PEs' roles in plant stress mitigation and mammalian pharmacological effects.
Main Results:
- PEs enhance plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses by boosting antioxidant systems and modulating metabolic pathways.
- PEs exhibit significant pharmacological potential, including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities in humans.
Conclusions:
- Phytoecdysteroids are crucial for plant defense mechanisms and possess a wide spectrum of beneficial bioactivities.
- Further research into PEs could unlock novel applications in agriculture and medicine.
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