In the heart of China, a humble plant known as Ramulus mori, or Sangzhi in traditional Chinese medicine, is revealing its secrets. This plant, long revered for its ability to lower blood sugar and treat diabetes, is now under the microscope of modern science. Researchers, led by Yi Wang from the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering in Guangzhou, are uncovering the metabolic intricacies that make Sangzhi a powerhouse of bioactive compounds. Their findings, published in the journal eFood, could reshape the pharmaceutical and food industries, offering new avenues for natural, plant-based solutions.
Sangzhi, which translates to “mulberry twig,” has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to an abundance of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic and flavonoid metabolites. These compounds are not just beneficial for human health; they also hold promise for the energy sector, where natural, sustainable solutions are increasingly in demand.
Wang and her team conducted a comparative analysis of Sangzhi from three distinct geographical regions in China: Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Xinjiang. They discovered significant variations in the total polyphenol and flavonoid content among these samples. “The samples from Xinjiang showed the highest levels of these beneficial compounds,” Wang noted, highlighting the potential impact of geography on the plant’s metabolic profile.
Using advanced UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS technology, the researchers identified a total of 128 phenolic metabolites. Among these, 17 were screened as differential metabolites, with Xinjiang and Jiangsu samples exhibiting 12 and 10 unique metabolites, respectively, compared to Guangdong. “These differential metabolites have been confirmed to possess a variety of pharmacological effects and health benefits,” Wang explained, underscoring the potential of these findings for the pharmaceutical industry.
The study also linked these metabolites to flavonoid biosynthesis through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. qRT‐PCR further confirmed the corresponding gene expression patterns, providing a robust theoretical basis for the use of Sangzhi in various industries.
So, what does this mean for the future? The findings suggest that the geographical origin of Sangzhi can significantly influence its metabolic profile, opening doors for targeted cultivation and harvesting practices. For the pharmaceutical industry, this research paves the way for the development of new, natural treatments for conditions like diabetes. In the food industry, it offers opportunities for the creation of functional foods enriched with these beneficial compounds.
Moreover, the energy sector could benefit from the sustainable, natural solutions that Sangzhi offers. As the world shifts towards greener energy sources, plants like Sangzhi, with their rich metabolic profiles, could play a crucial role in developing bio-based energy solutions.
As Yi Wang and her team continue to unravel the mysteries of Sangzhi, one thing is clear: this humble plant holds immense potential. From traditional medicine to modern pharmaceuticals, from functional foods to sustainable energy, the future of Sangzhi is bright and full of possibilities. The research, published in the journal eFood, is a testament to the power of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, a fusion that could drive innovation in numerous sectors.