Bioscience Evidence 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 280-290 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 284 4.2 Light, temperature and altitude Environmental factors such as light intensity, light duration, air temperature and altitude profoundly affect the growth range and active ingredient production of motherwort. The core climatic factors for choosing an environment suitable for the growth of motherwort are the highest temperature, the lowest temperature and the altitude of the area where it is located. These factors play a crucial role in the growth of motherwort. Bai et al. (2025) and Hu et al. (2025) conducted mitochondrial genome research. They found that genes such as NADH dehydrogenase and ATP synthase, which are directly related to energy metabolism, would be subject to relatively obvious purification selection under different light and temperature conditions. This indicates that motherwort has a relatively strong ability to adapt to environmental changes. In areas with high altitude and large temperature differences between day and night, plants tend to adjust respiration and antioxidant responses, thereby increasing the content of certain active components. 4.3 Moisture conditions and seasonal variations Precipitation and soil moisture supply also have a significant impact on the growth of motherwort. The precipitation in the warm season and the precipitation in the driest month will directly affect the ecological suitability of motherwort (Wang et al., 2023). Drought inhibits plant growth, causing plants to activate some genes that regulate stress responses, including WRKY transcription factors and MAPK signaling pathways, thereby increasing the production of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and diterpenoids. The changes in precipitation and temperature during the seasons will also cause the content of active ingredients to fluctuate up and down with the seasons, thereby affecting the quality and efficacy of motherwort medicinal materials. 4.4 Geographical origin and ecological differentiation There are also obvious differences among motherwort from different origins and with different ecological types. Han et al. (2023) and Zhang et al. (2025) have conducted research on this phenomenon. Their research conclusions all indicate that there are significant differences in genotype and active ingredient content among motherwort from different regions. Some of these differences stem from genetic background, while others are influenced by environmental factors. Zhang et al. (2025) analyzed motherwort from Zhejiang in their research and found that the content of tribulus terrestris in motherwort from Zhejiang was higher than that in other places. Historical climate events such as distribution contraction and expansion during the ice age have also shaped the current distribution pattern and genetic diversity of motherwort. 5 The Metabolic Pathways of the Main Active Components of Leonurus japonicus 5.1 Alkaloid biosynthesis: Leonurine andTribulus terrestris Leonurine and stachydrine are the two most typical alkaloids in Leonurus japonicus. According to the multi-omics study by Li et al. (2023), the synthesis of leonurine uses arginine as the starting substrate and requires the participation of key enzymes such as arginine decarboxylase (ADC), UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT), and SCPL acyltransferase. Among them, the amplification of the UGT-SCPL gene cluster and the generation of new functions are important reasons why leonurine can accumulate in large quantities in plants. The synthesis of tribulus terrestris base is related to nitrogen addition reactions, including rate-limiting steps such as reductive amination and Schiff base formation. Zhang et al. (2022) and He et al. (2024) both conducted research and found that under alkaline conditions, the substrates and products required for these reactions are more likely to accumulate, thereby enhancing the synthesis efficiency of terrestris alkaloids. Although the entire metabolic pathway of tribulus terrestris is not yet fully understood, the general framework is relatively clear. 5.2 Phenylpropane/flavonoids metabolic pathway Phenylpropanes and flavonoids are important secondary metabolites in Leonurus japonicus, both of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The phenylpropane pathway starts with phenylalanine and, through the catalysis of enzymes such as PAL, C4H and 4CL, can further form various phenolic and flavonoid substances. MYB transcription factors are the main regulators of this metabolic pathway. They can regulate the expression of structural genes, thereby influencing the synthesis of flavonoids, anthocyanins and lignin, and are also involved in plant growth and stress response (Pratyusha and Sarada, 2022). Some flavonoids in Leonurus japonicus, such as
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