Introduction: Selaginella species hold a traditional place in medicine and cosmetics, but their potential to extend lifespan and the underlying bioactive compounds remain inadequately investigated. This study aims to systematically evaluate the anti-aging properties of diverse Selaginella extracts and to identify the key bioactive components and mechanisms involved. Methods: We collected 23 Selaginella samples from 13 different provinces across China to assess their geographical influence. Two representative methanol extracts, S4 (high in amentoflavone) and S16 (low in amentoflavone), were selected for in-depth evaluation using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. We employed lifespan assays, stress resistance tests, and comparative transcriptomics to analyze the effects on longevity, and pathway modulation. Results: Both S4 and S16 extracts significantly extended the lifespan of C. elegans under normal conditions and modulated conserved longevity pathways, including MAPK and FOXO signaling, with daf-16 and egl-8 emerging as key hub genes. Amentoflavone was identified and validated as a critical bioactive component, which alone extended lifespan by 63.81% and enhanced stress resistance. Mechanistically, amentoflavone promoted the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and up-regulated the expression of antioxidant genes (e.g., sod-3 , gst-3/4 , hsp-16.48/12.6 ), leading to a significant reduction in intracellular ROS levels. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that Selaginella extract and its key component, amentoflavone, delay aging primarily by activating the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor and bolstering the antioxidant defense system. This study not only highlights amentoflavone as a major contributor to the lifespan-extending effects of Selaginella but also underscores the potential of these natural compounds as promising agents for healthy aging.

Vine tea (Nekemias grossedentata), a medicinal and edible plant, produces volatile sesquiterpenoids that remain underexplored despite their important roles in ecological adaptation and bioactive compound synthesis. While volatile sesquiterpenoids are well-established as key contributors to aroma, defense, and therapeutic properties in other plants, their biosynthetic pathways in vine tea are poorly characterized. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic investigation integrating multi-omics analyses and functional genomics. Metabolic profiling revealed a root-specific accumulation pattern for volatile sesquiterpenoids. Genome-wide identification uncovered 84 terpene synthase (NgTPS) genes, with family expansion primarily driven by tandem duplications. We functionally characterized ten NgTPS genes through heterologous expression in yeast and in vitro enzymatic assays using purified proteins. These enzymes collectively produced 23 sesquiterpenoids and 5 monoterpenes, several of which are known fragrance contributors. Furthermore, we achieved de novo synthesis of these volatile sesquiterpenoids in the high-terpene-yielding yeast chassis EPY300, with shake-flask titers reaching 3.00-21.51 mg L^-1. This work establishes a foundation for elucidating the biosynthetic pathways of volatile sesquiterpenoids in vine tea and for harnessing these compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications.

Anthracnose is an emerging threat to Epimedium sagittatum, a cornerstone species in traditional Chinese medicine; however, its etiology in biodiversity hotspots remains unresolved. In this study, we comprehensively identified the anthracnose pathogens affecting E. sagittatum in China's Shennongjia Forest District. Through a combination of multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (based on ITS2, GAPDH, TUB2, and ACT sequences) and pathogenicity assays, we identified Colletotrichum fructicola as the primary causal agent. Beyond pathogen identification, we found that infection triggers a sharp decline in key flavonoids (epimedin A, B, and C; icariin; and icaritin). Concurrent rhizosphere microbiome profiling revealed a shift toward dysbiosis, characterized by the depletion of beneficial taxa (e.g., Annulohypoxylon, Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, and Pseudomonas) and an enrichment of opportunistic ones (e.g., Rhizoclosmatium, Fusarium, and Coccidioides). Strikingly, in detached leaf assays, the plant-derived phenolic compound carvacrol inhibited the growth of C. fructicola by 86.7%. Together, our findings not only identify a pathogen of concern but also delineate a disease progression pathway primarily driven by metabolic reprogramming of the host (flavonoid depletion) and concomitant rhizosphere dysbiosis. We also propose carvacrol as a potent biocontrol agent. This work addresses critical knowledge gaps in medicinal plant pathology and proposes an eco-sustainable strategy for managing anthracnose.