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Localization of Secondary Metabolites in Relict Gymnosperms of the Genus Sequoia In Vivo and in Cell Cultures In Vitro, and the Biological Activity of Their Extracts

Summary

Researchers studied an ancient giant redwood tree species to extract valuable medicinal compounds. They successfully grew Sequoia cells in laboratory culture that produced powerful cancer-fighting and antifungal substances. These extracts showed promise against cervical cancer and brain tumor cells while being safe to normal cells, offering a sustainable way to harvest these compounds without damaging wild redwood populations.

Background

Sequoia sempervirens is a relict gymnosperm with remarkable longevity and stress tolerance, attributed to active secondary biosynthesis of polyphenols. Natural populations have been reduced due to unchecked harvesting, necessitating biotechnological approaches for sustainable biomass production of these therapeutically valuable plants.

Objective

To develop technology for obtaining highly productive in vitro biomass of relict Sequoia cells capable of accumulating secondary metabolites, and to study the localization and biological activity of these metabolites in both intact plants and cell cultures.

Results

Secondary metabolites were localized in protective, parenchymal, and conductive tissues in vivo, and in cell walls and vacuoles in vitro. Extracts from intact shoots showed 1.5-fold greater fungicidal activity than callus extracts, with significant inhibition at 200 mg/L concentration. Callus extracts demonstrated low toxicity to normal FetMSC cells but high cytotoxicity to HeLa cervical cancer and A-172 glioblastoma cell lines.

Conclusion

Sequoia sempervirens intact tissues and initiated cell cultures are effective producers of secondary metabolites with significant biological and antitumor activity. In vitro cultivation provides a sustainable alternative to wild harvesting for obtaining therapeutically active plant biomass from this relict species.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/life14121694
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