Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 97-106 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 97 Feature Review Open Access Breeding Strategies for Enhancing Medicinal Properties of Lonicera japonica Jianmin Zheng1, Xiaocheng Wang2 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: xiaocheng.wang@cuixi.org Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0008 Received: 20 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 25 Mar., 2024 Published: 12 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zheng and Wang, 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: Zheng J.M. and Wang X.C., 2024, Breeding strategies for enhancing medicinal properties of Lonicera japonica, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(2): 97-106 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0008) Abstract Lonicera japonica is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially in traditional medicine, where it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant effects. In this study, the methods of improving the medicinal quality of honeysuckle by breeding strategies were discussed, focusing on increasing the yield of flavonoid and other key active compounds. The study analyzed genetic diversity and molecular markers associated with medicinal traits in wild populations to support the development of good genotypes, and evaluated the effectiveness of traditional crossbreeding, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and modern genomic tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 in improving these medicinal traits. The production of active compounds has been optimized through traditional breeding methods such as genotype selection and hybridization, combined with advanced technologies such as genome selection and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Despite breeding and regulatory challenges, the study concludes that breeding programs that combine traditional and modern techniques hold great promise in enhancing the medicinal value of honeysuckle. Keywords Lonicera japonica; Medicinal properties; Genome sequencing; Carotenoid metabolism; Molecular breeding 1 Introduction Lonicera japonica, commonly known as Japanese honeysuckle, is a perennial vine belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. This plant is widely recognized for its ornamental value due to its dynamic flower coloration, which transitions from white to gold during development (Ge et al., 2018; Pu et al., 2020). Beyond its aesthetic appeal, L. japonica holds significant medicinal value. It has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidative properties (Shang et al., 2011). The plant's various parts, including leaves, flower buds, and stems, are utilized to treat a range of ailments, from febrile diseases to detoxifying poisons (Cai et al., 2020; Dai et al., 2023). Historically, Lonicera japonica has been an integral part of traditional medicine practices, particularly in China. Known as Jin Yin Hua, it has been employed to treat exopathogenic wind-heat, epidemic febrile diseases, sores, and carbuncles (Shang et al., 2011; Yan et al., 2016). The plant's branches and unopened flower buds are specifically used to address external wind heat or febrile disease fever (Peng et al., 2010; Dai et al., 2023). Additionally, L. japonica has found applications in modern contexts, such as in the suppression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and the mitigation of COVID-19 related cytokine storms (Yeh et al., 2022; Gao et al., 2023). This rich history underscores the plant's enduring relevance and the potential for further medicinal applications. Despite its established medicinal uses, there is a growing need to enhance the medicinal properties of Lonicera japonica through targeted breeding strategies. The identification of key phytochemical compounds and their differential expression in various plant parts can pave the way for optimizing the plant's therapeutic efficacy (Cai et al., 2020). Moreover, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying its bioactive properties, such as the role of carotenoid metabolism in flower coloration, can inform breeding programs aimed at improving specific medicinal traits (Pu et al., 2020). Enhancing these properties not only holds promise for developing new drugs and therapeutics but also for ensuring the sustainable use of this valuable medicinal resource.
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