Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl essential oil (CCEO) is a volatile oil with aroma and is extracted from various tissues of Cinnamomumcamphora. It is traditionally used as a spice, preservative, as an anti-inflammatory and for sterilization. Terpenoids are the main active components in CCEO. Based on currently available research, considerable effort is still needed to study the biosynthesis and regulation of terpenoids in CCEO. In this review, the research progress related to terpenoid biosynthesis and bioactivity in CCEO in recent years is summarized, with the data compiled and presented mainly from online resources such as PubMed, Scopus and CNKI in China up to May 2022. The research advances related to key enzymes in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway are mainly discussed. Previous studies have isolated some genes encoding key enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis; however, among these genes, only a few TPS genes have been verified to catalyze the production of terpenoid synthases at the protein level. Most genes encoding key enzymes have been cloned and isolated, but no transgenic experiments have been carried out to verify gene function. In-depth study of the biosynthesis of terpenoids in CCEO may contribute to a better understanding of the differential accumulation of terpenoids in different types of C. camphora and provide reference for improving terpenoid content in CCEO.

Taxus is the natural source of the anticancer drug paclitaxel. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of paclitaxel, its tissue-specific accumulation and associated regulatory networks in Taxus remains unclear. In this study, we conducted integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the root, leaf, shoot, bark, and wood of Taxus chinensis var. mairei to investigate the tissue-specific biosynthesis and accumulation of paclitaxel. We found that paclitaxel, 10-deacetylbaccatin III, and several taxoids were significantly enriched in the leaf, bark, and shoot, while paclitaxel derivatives, such as taxayunnansin A and taxol B, accumulated primarily in the root. Most genes involved in paclitaxel biosynthesis showed the highest expression in the root and the lowest in the wood. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified several candidate transcription factors potentially regulating paclitaxel biosynthesis. Further validation using yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that ERF68 activates the expression of taxane-2α-hydroxylase (T2H) gene, a key gene in the paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway. Collectively, our finding provides crucial insights into the transcriptional regulation of paclitaxel biosynthesis in Taxus.

Agarwood, a highly prized traditional medicinal material and natural spice, holds significant economic and medicinal value. Widely utilized as a fragrant agent, it is also employed in the treatment of diverse ailments, including rheumatism, fever, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, and gastrointestinal or reproductive disorders. These functions are primarily attributed to the accumulation of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (PECs), a class of bioactive compounds. In recent years, PECs have emerged as critical components in the development of agarwood-derived pharmaceuticals and commercial products, garnering substantial scientific attention. This review consolidates current advancements in the structure and function of PECs and examines and discusses the structural genes and regulatory transcription factors associated with PECs biosynthesis. By synthesizing this knowledge, this review establishes a foundation for elucidating the complete biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms governing PECs production, thereby facilitating future research and applications.

This study aimed to establish and optimize an open in-bottle micro-cutting technique for Taxus × media. An orthogonal experimental design was adopted. Four core factors were optimized: light regime, plant growth regulator (PGR) type, PGR concentration, and PGR soaking time. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple-range test were performed to analyze the statistical significance of each factor. The optimal combination was identified. Branches were soaked in a 300 mg·L⁻¹ IBA solution for 15 min. They were then cultured under 12 h alternating light/dark conditions in an illumination incubator. Under these conditions, the cutting rooting rate reached a maximum of 45.83%. The optimized open tissue culture system established in this study provides reliable technical support for the clonal propagation of T. × media.