<p>The exploration of latex from medicinal plants has unveiled a promising source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), proteins and enzymes with significant therapeutic potentials. Despite their value, these sources remain underutilized. Latex, a complex, viscous fluid secreted by specific plants, in the Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Papaveraceae, and Asclepiadaceae families, serves multiple functions, including wound healing, protection against herbivores, and most importantly, as a defense against microbial pathogens This review provides an overview of latex-producing plants, emphasizing their role in discovery of antimicrobial molecules. Notable among these is <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>, the source of hevein and hevein-like peptides, which have demonstrated significant antifungal and antibacterial activities. Other key AMPs are the cysteine-rich peptides and lectins that exhibit potent antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the role of peptidases and proteases obtained from latex has garnered attention for their potential in both antimicrobial activity and the enhancement of peptide stability and efficacy. These molecules act through unique mechanisms, including disrupting microbial cell membranes, making them valuable candidates in the fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens. They underscore the significant contribution of latex-producing plants to modern antimicrobial research. While these discoveries hold great promises, some challenges still exist. Interestingly, biotechnology advancements in peptide synthesis and genetic engineering have improved the potential of latex-derived biomolecules by enabling large-scale production and modification, enhancing their stability, potency, and effectiveness for therapeutic use. Also, the integration of genomic and proteomic tools will further unlock their full potentials, paving the way for novel antimicrobial agents capable of addressing antibiotic resistance.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Latex of medicinal plants: a reservoir of antimicrobial peptides, proteins, and enzymes for drug discovery

  • Zainab Abiodun Molik,
  • Temitayo Olayemi Ajayi,
  • Queeneth Abiola Ogunniyi,
  • Aderinsola Odunayo Fijagbade,
  • Omonike Oluyemisi Ogbole

摘要

The exploration of latex from medicinal plants has unveiled a promising source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), proteins and enzymes with significant therapeutic potentials. Despite their value, these sources remain underutilized. Latex, a complex, viscous fluid secreted by specific plants, in the Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Papaveraceae, and Asclepiadaceae families, serves multiple functions, including wound healing, protection against herbivores, and most importantly, as a defense against microbial pathogens This review provides an overview of latex-producing plants, emphasizing their role in discovery of antimicrobial molecules. Notable among these is Hevea brasiliensis, the source of hevein and hevein-like peptides, which have demonstrated significant antifungal and antibacterial activities. Other key AMPs are the cysteine-rich peptides and lectins that exhibit potent antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the role of peptidases and proteases obtained from latex has garnered attention for their potential in both antimicrobial activity and the enhancement of peptide stability and efficacy. These molecules act through unique mechanisms, including disrupting microbial cell membranes, making them valuable candidates in the fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens. They underscore the significant contribution of latex-producing plants to modern antimicrobial research. While these discoveries hold great promises, some challenges still exist. Interestingly, biotechnology advancements in peptide synthesis and genetic engineering have improved the potential of latex-derived biomolecules by enabling large-scale production and modification, enhancing their stability, potency, and effectiveness for therapeutic use. Also, the integration of genomic and proteomic tools will further unlock their full potentials, paving the way for novel antimicrobial agents capable of addressing antibiotic resistance.

Graphical Abstract