Unlocking secrets of nature's chemists: Potential of CRISPR/Cas-based tools in plant metabolic engineering for customized nutraceutical and medicinal profiles

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment on the Metabolic Profile of Medicinal Plants and Their Therapeutic Potential

“…The presence of heavy metals in medicinal plants can alter metabolic pathways in two key ways [ 10 , 119 ]. Firstly, heavy metals can disrupt various biosynthetic pathways within plants, leading to changes in the production of secondary metabolites.…”

“…This targeted genetic editing enables the enhancement of the plants intrinsic capacity to cope with heavy metal-induced oxidative stress. By selectively manipulating genes associated with antioxidant defenses, researchers can fine-tune the plants molecular machinery, preparing the way for tailored adaptations to thrive in metal-contaminated environments [ 119 , 203 ].…”

“…Furthermore, heavy metal stress is linked to decreased concentrations of specific bioactive compounds. For instance, The presence of heavy metals in medicinal plants can alter metabolic pathways in two key ways [10,119]. Firstly, heavy metals can disrupt various biosynthetic pathways within plants, leading to changes in the production of secondary metabolites.…”