Search Results (1,872)

Soil salinization is a major threat to global crop production. Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), valued for its hardiness in marginal environments, provides an excellent system for studying plant salt tolerance. Using an integrated multi-omics approach, we deciphered the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional responses of Tartary buckwheat to prolonged NaCl stress. Physiological profiling confirmed membrane damage alongside osmotic adjustment via proline accumulation and a phased antioxidant response. Metabolomics revealed extensive reprogramming, with dynamic enrichment in pathways of flavonoid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and the TCA cycle. Transcriptomics delineated a time-specific cascade from early signaling to late defense activation. Critical regulators within ABA and MAPK signaling pathways showed fine-tuned, divergent expression; for instance, SnRK2.3 was suppressed while specific PP2Cs were induced, and FtMAPK10 was dramatically up-regulated. Integrated analysis demonstrated coordinated induction of osmoprotectant synthesis (e.g., galactinol and betaine pathways) and a rewiring of central carbon metabolism. Our findings reveal a sophisticated, multi-layered adaptation strategy in Tartary buckwheat, integrating enhanced osmolyte production, antioxidant defense, membrane remodeling, and metabolic reprogramming, orchestrated by key signaling networks. This study provides a comprehensive molecular framework for salt tolerance and identifies valuable genetic targets for improving crop resilience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic diseases are increasingly associated with diets low in bioactive compounds. Native maize varieties possess functional potential; however, they remain underutilized. Moringa oleifera leaf flour (MF), rich in protein and polyphenols, represents a promising functional ingredient. This study evaluated the incorporation of MF into red native corn tortillas and its effects on nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity, as well as assessed its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in Wistar rats. Methods: Tortillas were formulated with 5% MF. Nutritional composition was determined using standard AOAC methods, while bioactive compounds (total phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant activity were evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) colorimetric, DPPH^•, and ABTS^•+ assays, respectively. Male Wistar rats (12 weeks old, with an approximate weight ofs 360 g; n = 5/group) were fed the experimental diets for 21 days with either a standard diet, a high-fat diet, or high-fat diets supplemented with MF or MF-enriched tortillas. Serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL were measured using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results: MF incorporation increased protein (+19.85%), dietary fiber (+18.51%), and mineral content (+41.03%) compared to control tortillas. Total phenolics and flavonoids increased by 114.0% and 184.7%, respectively. Antioxidant activity improved significantly, as evidenced by reductions in IC₅₀ values of 41.1% (DPPH^•) and 43.1% (ABTS^•). In vivo, MF-enriched tortillas reduced triglycerides by 68.4%, total cholesterol by 16.2%, and hepatic lipid accumulation by 31.8% compared to the high-fat diet group. Glucose levels showed a reduction of 8.5%, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The incorporation of MF into red corn tortillas significantly enhances their nutritional and functional properties. In vivo results also showed improvements in lipid profile and a non-significant reduction in glucose levels. These findings support the development of functional foods based on traditional staples with potential health benefits. Full article

While l-tryptophan is a precursor of plant growth regulators, its effects on secondary metabolism, amino acid profile and cell wall organization in flax callus remain underexplored. This study aimed to optimize flax callus shaken cultures and evaluate the impact of l-tryptophan (0.1 mM and 1 mM) on structural properties of plant cell walls in tested callus using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The impact of l-tryptophan on callus proliferation and metabolism was also determined, because amino acids (among them l-tryptophan) can promote the growth of callus. The results showed that 1 mM l-tryptophan is an effective elicitor, which stimulates flax callus to accumulate larger amounts of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids and polyphenols, than control callus cultured without l-tryptophan. A lower concentration of l-tryptophan (0.1 mM) slightly improved the level of determined secondary metabolites (except flavonoids). The effect of l-tryptophan on polymers in plant cell walls was investigated. The data confirm that the plant cell wall is a dynamic structure, capable of remodelling in response to growth conditions and external agents. l-tryptophan (0.1 and 1 mM) reduced cellulose levels and induced structural changes in cellulose compared to the untreated control. The structural analyses also suggested a decrease in lignin level and increase in pectin amounts in flax callus after tryptophan addition in comparison to control callus. The results may reflect the relationship between tryptophan and auxins (which are derived from tryptophan) and confirm the role of these metabolites in shaping the structure of the plant cell wall. In fact, an increase in tryptophan level was confirmed in flax callus in tested experimental conditions (supplementation of cultures with both doses of l-tryptophan). These findings have practical significance, because l-tryptophan is also used as a fertilizer or component of fertilizers in plant cultivation. Full article

Excessive acidity restricts the utilization of citrus pulp, a major by-product of the dried tangerine peel industry. To overcome this bottleneck, a functional microbial consortium (BsHpMrF) comprising Bacillus subtilis L4, Hanseniaspora pseudoguilliermondii B4, and Monascus ruber CGMCC 10910 was constructed for efficient biological deacidification. The consortium exhibited a synergistic effect, achieving an 88.23% reduction in total acidity and converting the acidic pulp into a neutral, bio-stabilized substrate. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that this efficiency was driven by the concurrent activation of the TCA cycle and glyoxylate shunt for organic acid mineralization, coupled with membrane lipid remodeling (increased unsaturation) to enhance acid tolerance. Notably, the fermentation process functioned as a “metabolic factory”, significantly enriching the matrix with bioactive lipids (e.g., 10-HDA, nervonic acid) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA, 414.28 mg/L). Application assays demonstrated that the fermentation products acted as a potent biostimulant for soybean sprouts, significantly promoting lateral roots and eliciting the accumulation of antioxidant phenolics and flavonoids. This study provides a sustainable “waste-to-treasure” strategy, valorizing acidic citrus pulp into a functional biostimulant for high-quality edible sprout production, thereby achieving a sustainable “waste-to-food” circular loop. Full article

The increasing demand for different value-added products from natural seaweeds requires a sustainable cultivation method for the regular supply of biomass and to safeguard the natural ecosystem from overexploitation. This study evaluated laboratory acclimatization of the green seaweed Acrosiphonia orientalis (DGR: 2.71 ± 0.21%; GPP: 12.55 ± 0.1 mg O₂ L⁻¹ day⁻¹), followed by a comparative evaluation of its physicochemical and biochemical characteristics, metabolite profile, and antiproliferative activity compared with naturally harvested seaweed. Metabolite profiling identified 47 compounds exhibiting differential accumulation patterns, with the natural specimens enriched in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid, and the laboratory-acclimatized specimens exhibited elevated arachidonic acid levels. Amino acid profiling revealed higher concentrations of essential and non-essential amino acids in the natural specimens, with prominent levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid, while the lab-acclimatized specimens were enriched in isoleucine, methionine, proline, and cysteine. The lab-acclimatized specimens exhibited significantly enhanced water absorption (WSC: 6 ± 0.25 mL/g DW; WHC: 2.68 ± 0.11 g/g DW) and higher total sugar (47.11 ± 0.52% Glc eq. DW) and phenolic contents (51.28 ± 0.54 mg GAE g⁻¹ extract), while the natural specimens had a superior oil-holding capacity (OHC: 1.8 ± 0.12 g/g DW); higher total flavonoid (123.62 ± 2.97 mg Q g⁻¹ extract), protein (5.11 ± 0.36 µg BSA eq/mg DW), and chlorophyll contents (8.82 ± 0.58 mg/L); and higher antioxidant activities (ABTS-EC₅₀: 67.33 ± 0.97 μg/mL extract). The mineral analysis revealed distinct elemental profiles, with enrichment of sodium, magnesium, and calcium in the lab-acclimatized specimens and a more favorable Na/K ratio (0.14 vs. 0.78) in the natural specimens. Of note, extracts from both seaweeds exhibited significant dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against HeLa cervical cancer cells (Wild EC₅₀: 118.63 ± 14.14 µg/mL extract; lab EC₅₀: 153.35 ± 10.18 µg/mL extract), suppressed colony formation in soft agar assays, induced nuclear condensation (based on Hoechst staining), and modulated the expression of key oncogenes (upregulating NDRG1, TP53, and CASP3 and downregulating BCL2, MYC, and CCND1). Collectively, this study provides an approach to acclimatize A. orientalis that may be utilized for developing a cultivation method. Moreover, this green seaweed has a great potential to be used for nutraceutical and functional food applications. Full article

In this work, we assessed the impacts of biostimulant application on pot-grown Sonchus oleraceus L. plants under saline conditions. The biostimulant products tested were an experimental formulation based on humic and fulvic acids (HF) and the commercial product Sipfol Star^® (SS), which comprises amino acids (mainly glutamic acid, alanine, and aspartic acid). Our results highlight that biostimulants mitigated the negative impacts of high salinity only on specific morphological traits, such as the dry matter of leaves. Accordingly, the HF treatment reduced the fat and protein content (under low and high salinity, respectively) and energetic value (under high salinity), while the carbohydrate content increased under high salinity for the SS treatment and the untreated plants compared to the respective treatment under low salinity. The nitrogen content of leaves was negatively affected by biostimulant application at high salinity, whereas the HF and SS treatments induced the accumulation of sodium and potassium under high salinity compared to the untreated plants. The total flavonoid content also increased in biostimulant-treated plants under high salinity, whereas no effects on total phenol content were recorded. Moreover, the plants treated with biostimulants under low salinity conditions showed higher antioxidant activity for the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay than the respective treatments at high salinity and the control treatment. The content of oxidative markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), was higher under low-salinity levels, whereas biostimulant-treated plants showed the lowest content under high salinity. Overall, the application of biostimulants showed promising results in mitigating the adverse impacts of high salinity on S. oleraceus plants. However, further research is needed on more biostimulatory products and application regimes (e.g., different doses and application times) to elucidate the mechanisms of action and bolster the positive effects of this sustainable agronomic tool. Full article

Foliar nanofertilization is increasingly being explored as a strategy to enhance crop nutritional quality; however, dose-dependent physiological and metabolic responses remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the effects of conventional NPK (20:20:20) and nano-formulated NPK combined with zinc (3 and 5 g/L) on the mineral composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profile of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. ‘Dora’) grown under controlled conditions. Physicochemical characterization of the nanofertilizer by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoscale primary particle size and revealed concentration-dependent aggregation behavior at higher Zn levels. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among treatments in macro- and microelement content, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity. The application of nano NPK combined with 3 g/L Zn resulted in the highest accumulation of total phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant capacity, suggesting stimulation of secondary metabolism. In contrast, the higher Zn concentration (5 g/L) further increased carotenoid content but was associated with elevated proline levels, indicating the onset of physiological stress. Multivariate analyses (PCA and ROC) supported dose-dependent metabolic modulation and confirmed that combinations of selected metabolites contributed to clearer differentiation between fertilization regimes. Overall, the results highlight the existence of an optimal nano-zinc application range that enhances fruit functional quality while avoiding stress-related metabolic imbalance, emphasizing the importance of physicochemical stability in nano-enabled fertilization strategies. While this study focused on a single sweet pepper cultivar, future research should explore other pepper species to evaluate whether similar dose-dependent nano Zn effects are observed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many chronic diseases, including cancer, can be developed in conjunction with excessive intracellular oxidative stress and persistent inflammation. The importance of preventive strategies is highlighted by the potential of phytochemical interventions to mitigate these diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Citrus depressa leaf (CDL) extracts can prevent 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced carcinogenesis in JB6 P+ mouse skin epidermal cells. Methods: CDL extracts were prepared and characterized for their phenolic and flavonoid contents. Effects of the potent extract on cell viability, TPA-induced colony formation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)-related protein and mRNA expression, mediated by epigenetic modifications, were evaluated in JB6 P+ cells. Results: Both the water extract (CDL-WE) and the 95% ethanol extract (CDL-95EE) contain abundant flavonoids that inhibit TPA-induced cell transformation and colony formation without minimal cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies indicated that CDL-95EE increased the gene expression of Nrf2-related detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, such as UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and decreased intracellular ROS accumulation. Furthermore, CDL-95EE reduced the expression of epigenetic modifiers, including DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), suggesting involvement in epigenetic regulation. Conclusions: These findings indicate that CDL, an agricultural by-product, may be useful in cancer prevention through antioxidant and epigenetic mechanisms. Full article

The storage quality of fresh-cut peach fruit is compromised by weight loss and chromatic aberration. In this experiment, taurine at 30 mg L⁻¹ was applied to fresh-cut peaches to evaluate its effect on storage quality. Changes in weight loss, chromatic aberration, antioxidant system, endogenous nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) metabolism, and phenylpropanoid metabolism were studied. The results indicated that 30 mg L⁻¹ taurine effectively improved the ability to scavenge ROS, including •OH, O₂^•−, MDA, and H₂O₂, by inhibiting the decrease in the activities of SOD and CAT, enhancing POD activity, reducing PPO activity, and maintaining the AsA-GSH cycle. Moreover, taurine treatment increased the activities of 4CL and PAL and retarded the decrease in the activities of SKDH and C4H, thereby improving the accumulation of total phenols, flavonoids, and lignin. These findings showed that taurine mitigated oxidative damage in fresh-cut peaches by enhancing the antioxidant defense system. Exogenous taurine consistently enhanced NOS-like activity while decreasing NR activity in the early storage phase, and elevated the contents of L-Arginine, nitrite, and endogenous NO. Taurine treatment up-regulated the activities of SAT, L-CD, and OAS-TL, thus promoting endogenous H₂S content in fresh-cut peaches. Taurine alleviated weight loss and chromatic aberration in fresh-cut peaches during storage by enhancing the antioxidant system and modulating NO, H₂S and phenylpropanoid metabolism. Full article

Microorganisms are increasingly being used for the industrial production of raw materials for food, chemical products and pharmaceuticals. The unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has a rising profile as a platform for industrial biotechnology. It has attractive physiological and metabolic properties, including high terpene and lipid production, high tolerance to complex environments, and amenability to genetic modification. Y. lipolytica naturally produces sufficient levels of cytosolic acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to achieve lipid accumulation. Engineering biology methods allow transformation of these native metabolites into synthetic precursors for high-value compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. Gene-editing, expression, and regulation tools have been developed for Y. lipolytica, facilitating improvement in bio-manufacturing yields for this chassis. This review summarizes natural product yields in Y. lipolytica and strategies for improving productivity. We highlight morphological engineering, metabolic engineering, and adaptive laboratory evolution as key strategies that can be used to improve the future yield, productivity and controllability of target molecules for Y. lipolytica engineering. Full article

Taizishen is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried tuberous roots of Pseudostellaria heterophylla. This study investigated the compositional variation of Taizishen from main producing (MP) and non-main producing (NP) areas across five Chinese provinces. Analysis of total saponins, flavonoids, and heterophyllin B showed the highest contents in Jurong samples, followed by Zherong. Untargeted metabolomics identified 651 metabolites in all samples. Principal component analysis revealed a distinct metabolic profile for the sample from Zherong, which differed significantly from other MP areas, showing 32 consistently upregulated (e.g., amino acids, terpenes) and 25 downregulated metabolites (e.g., lipids, alkaloids). Notably, key differential metabolites such as fraxetin and ethyl caffeate were enriched in Zherong samples. The number of differential metabolites between MP and NP areas varied by province. Antioxidant activity also varied regionally, being highest in the sample from Jurong and weakest in the sample from Duyun. Correlation analysis indicated this activity was not linked solely to flavonoid or saponin content, suggesting a synergistic effect of multiple components. In addition, Zherong samples exhibited unique accumulation patterns for amino acids, sugars, and lipids. The significant metabolic and bioactivity variations highlight the need for a comprehensive, metabolomics-informed quality evaluation system for Taizishen. Full article

Astragalus glycyphyllos (Fabaceae) is known to be a source of flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones, and its in vitro culture may promote the efficiency and sustainability of obtaining pharmacologically valuable fractions. The aim of this study was to develop an effective plantlet regeneration protocol for A. glycyphyllos, providing the accumulation of phenolic compounds and antioxidants in cultured tissues. The results show a maximum seed germination rate (67.8%) after scarification (mechanical with sandpaper followed by treatment with 50% sulfuric acid) and subsequent sterilization with 1.1% sodium hypochlorite solution. The maximum regeneration rate (95%) was achieved on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ thidiazuron. A thidiazuron concentration of 0.05 mg·L⁻¹, combined with a twofold increase in iron chelate content, induced the maximum yield of total flavonoids (8.74 mg·g⁻¹ DW), and significant levels of total phenolics (4.15 mg·g⁻¹) and antioxidants (1.83 mg AAE·g⁻¹) in the microshoot tissues. HPLC analysis showed kaempferol glycosides (1.51 mg·g⁻¹) and acylated kaempferol glycosides (2.76 mg·g⁻¹) as major components. Formononetin in a modest amount (0.09 mg·g⁻¹) was detected in hydrolyzed extracts. The phenolic profiles of the microshoots and native plants coincided in hydroxycinnamic acid composition; meanwhile, quercetin glycosides were present only in in situ plants, and formononetin was found only in the plantlets. The results confirm the prospects of biotechnological methods for the industrial production of standardized medicinal raw materials. Full article

Background: Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of clinical applications, yet the relationship between its developmental stages, phytochemical profiles, and functional properties remains poorly characterized. Methods: In this study, an integrated approach combining chemical assays and UHPLC–Orbitrap–MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics was employed to characterize three growth stages: Mima (MT, seed tubers), Baima (BT, immature tubers), and Jianma (JT, mature tubers). Results: Multivariate statistical analyses demonstrated clear stage-dependent discrimination in metabolic profiles. A total of 31 differential metabolites were identified, including parishin derivatives, phenolics, amino acids, and organic acids. Specifically, Parishin E, Parishin G, total phenolics, and total flavonoids predominated in the early stage (MT), whereas gastrodin and Parishin C progressively accumulated and peaked in the mature stage (JT). Bioactivity assays revealed that GE extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory) effects, which followed an initial decrease followed by a subsequent recovery during development. Correlation analysis further established a strong relationship between phenolic-associated metabolites (particularly Parishin E/G/H) and the observed bioactivities. Conclusions: In summary, these findings elucidate the metabolic dynamics of GE across developmental stages and provide a scientific basis for optimizing harvest timing and raw-material grading to enhance the functional properties of GE-derived products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Retinoblastoma represents the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood; however, the clinical applicability of mitomycin C (MMC) is restricted by dose-dependent ocular toxicity. Consequently, the development of pharmacological strategies that sensitize tumor cells to MMC while allowing dose reduction remains an unmet therapeutic objective. In this context, quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid with pleiotropic anticancer properties, has emerged as a potential chemosensitizing agent. Methods: Human retinoblastoma cell lines Y79 and WERI-Rb1 were exposed to MMC and quercetin, administered either individually or in fixed-ratio combinations. Cytotoxic responses were quantified through dose–response modeling and IC₅₀ determination following 24 and 48 h of treatment. Drug–drug interactions were quantitatively characterized using the Chou–Talalay combination index (CI) approach and isobologram analysis. Cell cycle distribution was assessed by propidium iodide (PI)-based flow cytometric analysis to evaluate treatment-associated alterations in cell cycle progression. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry, while transcriptional modulation of genes associated with apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and oxidative stress (BAX, BCL-2, TP53, CASP3, CDKN1A, and HMOX1) was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Modulation of tumor-supportive signaling was examined by measuring VEGF and IL-6 secretion. Translational relevance was further investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid model, and the functional contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was interrogated through N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) rescue experiments. Results: Quercetin significantly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of MMC in both retinoblastoma cell lines, with CI values below 1 across IC₅₀–IC₉₀ effect levels, indicating a synergistic pharmacological interaction. PI–FACS analysis revealed that combined MMC and quercetin treatment induced a pronounced accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase, consistent with cell cycle arrest, with a more marked effect observed in Y79 cells compared with WERI-Rb1 cells. Combination treatment resulted in a pronounced increase in apoptotic cell populations compared with single-agent exposure and triggered a coordinated pro-apoptotic transcriptional response, characterized by increased expression of BAX, TP53, CASP3, CDKN1A, and HMOX1, alongside suppression of BCL-2 and a marked shift in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio. Concurrently, VEGF and IL-6 secretion were significantly reduced, reflecting attenuation of pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory signaling. Notably, synergistic cytotoxicity was maintained in 3D tumor spheroids, where combined treatment induced spheroid shrinkage, architectural disruption, and reduced viability. NAC pretreatment diminished ROS accumulation and partially restored cell viability, indicating that oxidative stress contributes to, but does not solely account for, the observed synergistic cytotoxic effect. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that quercetin appears to function as an effective chemosensitizing adjuvant to MMC in retinoblastoma models, through transcriptional changes consistent with p53-associated apoptotic signaling at the transcriptional level, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and partial involvement of ROS-related cellular stress responses, along with suppression of tumor-supportive signaling pathways. The preservation of synergistic activity in 3D tumor spheroids supports the potential preclinical relevance of this combination. However, these findings are based on transcriptional and phenotypic analyses and should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating, requiring further validation through protein-level and in vivo studies before translational application. Full article

Climate change and progressive aridification represent a substantial threat to the sustainability of wild medicinal plant resources in Central Asia. Rheum tataricum L.f. (R. tataricum), a mesoxerophytic species with high pharmacological potential and a restricted distribution range, was selected as a model for investigating adaptive responses to combined climatic and edaphic stress. Relationships among climatic parameters, soil agrochemical characteristics, anatomical and morphological traits, and the metabolomic profile of roots and rhizomes were analysed across six ecopopulations distributed along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients in southern and western Kazakhstan. To quantify population-level vulnerability to climatic stress, a Climate Sensitivity Index (CSI) was calculated. All investigated ecopopulations exhibited high climate sensitivity (CSI = 0.30–0.40), indicating persistent climatic stress. Significant altitudinal dependence was detected for such anatomical traits, as primary cortex thickness, as well as for the accumulation of tannins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. The metabolomic profile was strongly associated with seasonal precipitation, temperature, relative air humidity, soil agrochemical properties, and root elemental composition. These findings demonstrate pronounced anatomical and metabolomic plasticity in R. tataricum, which appears to function as a key adaptive mechanism in arid ecosystems. The results provide a scientific basis for sustainable bioprospecting, conservation of natural populations, and targeted cultivation aimed at obtaining specific metabolomic profiles. Full article