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Soltanbeigi E, Lysiuk R. A Concise Review on Ultraviolet Radiation and Its Potential to Enhance the Pharmacological Profile of Medicinal Plants via Secondary Metabolite Production. pbp 2026; 8 (1)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-347-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-347-en.html
1- Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Atatürk Health Care Vocational School, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
2- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska,69., Lviv, Ukraine ,pharmacognosy.org.ua@ukr.net
2- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska,69., Lviv, Ukraine ,
Abstract: (185 Views)
Objective: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a component of the solar electromagnetic spectrum, acts not only as an environmental stressor but also as a biological stimulus. Medicinal plants exposed to UV—particularly UV-B and UV-C wavelengths—often exhibit enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and terpenoids. These compounds are widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. The primary aim of this review is to examine the impact of different UV wavelengths and doses on the chemical composition and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants.
Methodology: A comprehensive survey of the literature from 2000 to 2025 was conducted, encompassing studies on diverse plant species and genotypes. These plants were subjected to UVA, UVB, or UVC irradiation, alone or in combination with other environmental factors, such as drought stress or hormonal treatments. Key outcomes analyzed included growth parameters, photosynthetic activity, phenolic and antioxidant content, and alkaloid production.
Results: Evidence indicates that controlled UV exposure can significantly elevate secondary metabolite accumulation, enhance antioxidant activity, and improve the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants. Conversely, excessive UV exposure may impair growth and induce cellular damage. Notably, the combination of UV with hormonal treatments or salicylic acid frequently upregulated gene expression in metabolic pathways associated with bioactive compound synthesis. Intensity, duration, and wavelength of UV radiation were found to be critical determinants in modulating chemical composition and biological activity.
Conclusion: Appropriately dosed and timed UV radiation represents a promising strategy for augmenting secondary metabolite production and enhancing the therapeutic value of medicinal plants. This approach has clear implications for optimizing cultivation practices and developing effective plant-based pharmaceuticals.
Methodology: A comprehensive survey of the literature from 2000 to 2025 was conducted, encompassing studies on diverse plant species and genotypes. These plants were subjected to UVA, UVB, or UVC irradiation, alone or in combination with other environmental factors, such as drought stress or hormonal treatments. Key outcomes analyzed included growth parameters, photosynthetic activity, phenolic and antioxidant content, and alkaloid production.
Results: Evidence indicates that controlled UV exposure can significantly elevate secondary metabolite accumulation, enhance antioxidant activity, and improve the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants. Conversely, excessive UV exposure may impair growth and induce cellular damage. Notably, the combination of UV with hormonal treatments or salicylic acid frequently upregulated gene expression in metabolic pathways associated with bioactive compound synthesis. Intensity, duration, and wavelength of UV radiation were found to be critical determinants in modulating chemical composition and biological activity.
Conclusion: Appropriately dosed and timed UV radiation represents a promising strategy for augmenting secondary metabolite production and enhancing the therapeutic value of medicinal plants. This approach has clear implications for optimizing cultivation practices and developing effective plant-based pharmaceuticals.
Keywords: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, medicinal plants, secondary metabolites, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidants, alkaloids
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Herbal Drugs
Received: 2025/02/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/2 | Published: 2025/12/1
Received: 2025/02/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/2 | Published: 2025/12/1
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