Resurrection Plants-A Valuable Source of Natural Bioactive Compounds: From Word-of-Mouth to Scientifically Proven Sustainable Use

Abstract

Resurrection plant species are a group of higher plants whose vegetative tissues are able to withstand long periods of almost full desiccation and recover quickly upon rewatering. Apart from being a model system for studying desiccation tolerance, resurrection plant species appear to be a valuable source of metabolites, with various areas of application. A significant number of papers have been published in recent years with respect to the extraction and application of bioactive compounds from higher resurrection plant species in various test systems. Promising results have been obtained with respect to antioxidative and antiaging effects in various test systems, particularly regarding valuable anticancer effects in human cell lines. Here, we review the latest advances in the field and propose potential mechanisms of action of myconoside-a predominant secondary compound in the European members of the Gesneriaceae family. In addition, we shed light on the possibilities for the sustainable use of natural products derived from resurrection plants.

Keywords: Haberlea rhodopensis; bioactive compounds; myconoside; resurrection plants; secondary metabolites.

Figure 1

Structural formulas of 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid (most abundant in M. flabellifolius), myconoside, and hispidulin 8-C-(6-O-acetyl-2-O-syringoyl-β-glucopyranoside) (most abundant in H. rhodopensis).

Figure 2

Bioactivity of extracts (A) and compounds (B) purified from H. rhodopensis. (A) Percentage of relative contribution of published studies on the various biological activities of extracts. (B) Myconoside, hispidulin 8-C, and calceolarioside E have been enriched or purified from different fractions. Fractions containing pure myconoside or myconoside in combination with the other two compounds have significant effects on various cell lines.