In the heart of traditional medicine, two plants have long been revered for their therapeutic prowess: Astragalus propinquus (AP) and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU). Known in English as Milk-vetch and Licorice, respectively, these members of the Fabaceae family are staples in herbal remedies. Yet, the microscopic world within their roots remains a mystery—until now. A groundbreaking study led by Zerrin Kozma Kim from the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at Seoul National University has peeled back the layers of these plants’ root microbiomes, revealing a complex ecosystem that could revolutionize our understanding of their medicinal properties and even impact the energy sector.
Kim and her team delved into the endophytic microbial communities—those that reside within the roots, excluding the rhizosphere—of AP and GU. Using both culture-dependent and -independent methods, they uncovered a diverse and distinct microbial landscape in each plant. “We found that the microbial communities in these plants are not just diverse but also uniquely tailored to each species,” Kim explained. “This could have significant implications for how we harness their therapeutic benefits and even their potential applications in biotechnology.”
The study, published in the Annals of Microbiology, revealed that the bacterial communities in the roots of GU were dominated by Proteobacteria, while those in AP showed a higher diversity, including unique taxa like Steroidobacterales and Micromonosporales. The fungal communities also differed, with AP predominantly harboring Ascomycota and GU harboring Basidiomycota. These differences suggest that the microbial communities play a crucial role in the plants’ therapeutic properties, potentially influencing nutrient cycling and secondary metabolite production.
One of the most intriguing findings was the identification of core microbial communities shared between AP and GU. Among the bacterial community, three core amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified: Pseudomonas, Comamonadaceae, and Cutibacterium. The fungal community shared eight core ASVs, including Paraphoma and Alternaria. These core communities could be key players in the plants’ medicinal properties, offering new avenues for research and development.
The study also highlighted the potential commercial impacts of these findings. The unique microbial communities in AP and GU could be harnessed for biotechnological applications, such as the production of biofuels and bioplastics. The energy sector, in particular, could benefit from the discovery of new microbial strains capable of enhancing biofuel production or improving the efficiency of biorefineries.
Moreover, the identification of hub nodes within the microbial networks—key microorganisms that play a central role in the ecosystem—could pave the way for targeted interventions. In AP, Burkholderiales, Exophiala, and Fusarium were identified as key hub nodes, while in GU, Paenibacillus took center stage. These hub nodes could be targeted for manipulation to enhance the plants’ therapeutic properties or to develop new biotechnological applications.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As we continue to explore the microbial world within plants, we uncover new possibilities for harnessing their potential. From traditional medicine to modern biotechnology, the microbial communities within AP and GU offer a wealth of opportunities. As Kim puts it, “Understanding these microbial communities is just the beginning. The real potential lies in how we can apply this knowledge to improve human health and drive innovation in various sectors, including energy.”
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in agritech, this research serves as a reminder of the power of microbial communities. By unlocking the secrets within the roots of AP and GU, we open the door to a world of possibilities, from enhancing traditional medicine to revolutionizing the energy sector. The future of agritech is microbial, and the journey has only just begun.