From Genes to Medicine: Exploring the Genetic and Biological Bases of Medicinal Plants
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 264
Special Issue Editor
Interests: plant biology; medicinal plants; plant biodiversity; phylogenetics; conservation; genetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Medicinal plants have been integral to traditional medicine and modern pharmacology for centuries, offering a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. As the demand for natural and effective treatments continues to grow, understanding these plants' genetic and biological underpinnings has become increasingly important. The interplay between medicinal plants' genetic makeup and their active compounds' biosynthesis holds the key to unlocking new avenues for drug discovery and the development of plant-based therapies.
This Special Issue explores medicinal plants' genetic diversity and conservation, examining how variations within and among species impact their medicinal properties. The study of biosynthesis pathways is another critical focus, aiming to elucidate the genetic and enzymatic processes that lead to the production of key secondary metabolites responsible for the therapeutic effects of these plants. The integration of advanced genomic technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, plays a significant role in identifying and enhancing these bioactive compounds, offering new insights into their medicinal potential.
Moreover, this Special Issue addresses the application of plant breeding and biotechnology to improve the yield and quality of medicinal plants. Techniques such as selective breeding, genetic engineering, and CRISPR technologies are explored as means to optimize the production of valuable compounds. Additionally, the relationship between phytochemistry and pharmacology is examined, focusing on how the genetic background of medicinal plants influences their pharmacological effects. By exploring these topics, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and biological foundations of medicinal plants, fostering innovations in drug discovery and the development of more effective plant-based treatments.
Prof. Dr. Wajid Zaman
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- medicinal plants
- genetic diversity
- biosynthesis pathways
- bioactive compounds
- genomic technologies
- plant breeding
- biotechnology
- CRISPR
- phytochemistry
- pharmacology
- drug discovery
- plant-based therapies
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