Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 180-195 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 190 7 Environmental and Ecological Impacts onEucommia ulmoides 7.1 Ecological requirements for E. ulmoide scultivation E. ulmoides, a dioecious and pharmaceutically significant tree species, is endemic to China and thrives in specific ecological conditions. The species is predominantly found in the Wuling Mountains and other regions with similar geoclimatic conditions. Studies have shown that the average annual temperature and rainfall are critical factors influencing the phenotypic traits of E. ulmoides (Xie et al., 2023). These climatic conditions significantly affect leaf, fruit, and seed sizes, which are essential for the plant's growth and medicinal properties (Wang et al., 2023). Additionally, the annual sunshine duration has been identified as a crucial factor, positively correlating with economic traits and leaf yield, while negatively correlating with growth traits (Deng et al., 2022). Therefore, selecting appropriate cultivation areas with optimal temperature, rainfall, and sunshine duration is vital for the successful cultivation of E. ulmoides. 7.2 Impact of environmental factors on phytochemical profiles Environmental factors play a significant role in determining the phytochemical profiles of E. ulmoides. Variations in genotype, site, and genotype × environment interactions have been shown to influence the phenotypic traits and, consequently, the phytochemical composition of the plant. For instance, the gutta-percha content, total number of leaves, and chlorogenic acid content exhibit significant differences based on these environmental interactions (Deng et al., 2022). The phenotypic differentiation among populations of E. ulmoides is significantly correlated with geographic and climatic distances, indicating that environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall are crucial in shaping the phytochemical profiles (Wang et al., 2023). These findings suggest that environmental conditions must be carefully managed to optimize the production of valuable phytochemicals in E. ulmoides. 7.3 Conservation strategies for wild populations Conserving wild populations of E. ulmoides is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the species' long-term survival. The phenotypic variation within and among natural populations highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies (Wang et al., 2018; Kardos et al., 2021). The significant phenotypic differentiation driven by geographic and climatic factors suggests that conservation efforts should focus on preserving diverse habitats that support various phenotypic traits (Wang et al., 2023). Additionally, the identification of key environmental factors, such as average annual temperature and rainfall, can inform the development of conservation plans that prioritize areas with optimal conditions for E. ulmoides growth (Deng et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Implementing genetic improvement programs and resource management strategies can further enhance the conservation of this valuable species, ensuring its continued availability for medicinal and economic uses. 8 Challenges and Future Research Directions 8.1 Challenges in sustainable cultivation Sustainable cultivation of E. ulmoides faces several significant challenges, primarily due to the plant’s specific environmental requirements and the increasing demand for its medicinal properties. The cultivation of E. ulmoides requires specific soil types, optimal temperature ranges, and careful management of water resources to ensure healthy growth and high yield of bioactive compounds (Su et al., 2021; Dong et al., 2022). Climate change, with its unpredictable weather patterns, poses a threat to these conditions, potentially leading to reduced productivity (Wang et al., 2023). Additionally, as demand for E. ulmoides continues to grow, over harvesting and unsustainable agricultural practices risk depleting natural resources and compromising the genetic diversity of the species. There is a pressing need for developing sustainable agricultural practices that balance the need for high yield with environmental conservation, including the promotion of agroforestry systems, organic farming, and the development of resistant varieties through advanced breeding techniques. 8.2 Opportunities for new pharmacological discoveries Despite the challenges in sustainable cultivation, E. ulmoides presents numerous opportunities for new pharmacological discoveries. The plant’s rich phytochemical profile, which includes iridoids, lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, offers a promising foundation for the development of new therapeutic agents (Liu et al., 2020).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==