Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 98-109 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 98 Feature Review Open Access Cracking the Bioactive Code of Rehmannia glutinosa: Analysis and Functions of Active Components Linfei Zhao, Rongrong Cai Jiyang College, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author email: cair2012@163.com Bioscience Evidence, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0012 Received: 28 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 03 May, 2024 Published: 17 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhao and Cai, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhao L.F., and Cai R.R., 2024, Cracking the bioactive code of Rehmannia glutinosa: analysis and functions of active components, Bioscience Evidence, 14(3): 98-109 (doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0012) Abstract Rehmannia glutinosa, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties attributed to its bioactive components. This research delves into the intricate bioactive code of R. glutinosa, focusing on the analysis and functions of its active components. Notably, acteoside, a prominent bioactive compound, exhibits significant health benefits, yet its biosynthetic pathway remains partially understood. Recent studies have identified a novel tyrosine decarboxylase (RgTyDC2) from the R. glutinosa transcriptome, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of acteoside by converting tyrosine and dopa into tyramine and dopamine, respectively, with a higher catalytic efficiency towards tyrosine. Additionally, the dynamic accumulation of various glycosides and saccharides, including catalpol, acteoside, and ajugol, has been investigated in both the roots and leaves of R. glutinosa. This research highlights the potential of utilizing the often-discarded leaves, which contain significant amounts of these bioactive compounds, thereby enhancing the resource value of the plant. This research synthesizes current findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the bioactive components of R. glutinosa, their biosynthesis, and their potential applications in medicine. Keywords Rehmannia glutinosa; Acteoside; Tyrosine decarboxylase; Glycosides; Pharmacological activities 1 Introduction Rehmannia glutinosa, a perennial herb belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family, has been a cornerstone in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Historically, it has been utilized for its purported benefits in treating a variety of ailments, including anemia, diabetes, and fever. The roots of R. glutinosa, often referred to as "Di Huang," are particularly valued and have been processed through methods such as steaming and drying to enhance their medicinal properties (Kwon et al., 2019). InTCM, R. glutinosa is considered a vital herb due to its wide range of pharmacological activities. It is frequently used in formulations aimed at nourishing the blood, tonifying the kidneys, and replenishing vital essence. The herb's significance is further underscored by its inclusion in numerous classical TCM prescriptions. Modern research has identified several bioactive compounds in R. glutinosa, such as catalpol and acteoside, which contribute to its therapeutic effects (Zhi et al., 2018; Li et al., 2020; Cai et al., 2024). The primary objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the active components of Rehmannia glutinosa and their functions. By examining recent studies, elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of these bioactive compounds and their pharmacological activities, will also explore the potential applications of these findings in enhancing the medicinal value of R. glutinosa and developing new therapeutic agents. 2 Botanical Characteristics of Rehmannia glutinosa 2.1 Taxonomy and morphology Rehmannia glutinosa, commonly known as Chinese foxglove, belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties, particularly its roots (Zhang et al., 2021; Qin et al., 2022). The plant is characterized by its rosette of basal leaves and a flowering stem that can reach up to 30~50 cm in height. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with a serrated
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