Reviving Ancient Plant Family for Modern Medicine

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the evolution of the mint family of plants has diversified their specialized natural characteristics through the evolution of their chemistry, opening up the possibility of future uses in fields such as medicine and pesticide production. The team found a large biosynthetic gene cluster in the beautyberry plant from the mint family, which contains genes that encode two distinct terpenoid pathways. The team found these terpenoids accumulate in various parts of the plant, such as the leaves and roots, and may play distinct roles in adaptation.