Hairy roots as a biotechnological tool for medicinal plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#plants-medicinal #biotechnology #plant-roots #secondary-metabolism #agrobacterium

Hairy roots as a biotechnological tool for medicinal plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review

Elbouzidi et al., 2026 | J Biotechnol | Systematic Review

Citation

Elbouzidi Amine, Taibi Mohamed, ... Addi Mohamed. Hairy roots as a biotechnological tool for medicinal plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review. J Biotechnol. 2026-Jan;409:117-136. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2025.10.010

Abstract

Hairy root cultures, generated via Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation, are a major advance in plant biotechnology. They exhibit genetic stability, autonomous growth without exogenous phytohormones, and sustained high-yield production of bioactive secondary metabolites. These systems have applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Notable metabolites include vincristine from Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, withanolides from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, and ginsenosides from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, displaying anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activities. Despite these advantages, challenges such as suboptimal yields in certain species, inefficient transformation protocols, and complex regulatory frameworks limit industrial adoption. To address this, a systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Data were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using terms including "hairy root culture," "secondary metabolite biosynthesis," and "elicitation strategies." The review included experimental studies on medicinal plant species capable of metabolite production via hairy roots, excluding theoretical studies and non-medicinal plants. The review pursued five primary objectives: (1) to compile a comprehensive inventory of medicinal plant species utilized in hairy root research; (2) to critically evaluate elicitation methods for enhancing metabolite production; (3) to examine current challenges related to scale-up of hairy root cultures for industrial application; (4) to identify actionable strategies to overcome existing limitations; and (5) to highlight the pharmaceutical properties of secondary metabolites derived from hairy roots. Empirical findings indicate that elicitors-such as jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and emerging nanomaterials-significantly enhance metabolite accumulation. Molecular tools further optimize biosynthetic pathways. Nevertheless, species-specific constraints and unharmonized regulatory guidelines continue to impede commercialization. Integration of genetic engineering, bioprocess optimization, and regulatory science is essential to fully exploit the biotechnological potential of hairy root culture systems for pharmaceutical development.

Key Findings

Integration of genetic engineering, bioprocess optimization, and regulatory science is essential to fully exploit the biotechnological potential of hairy root culture systems for pharmaceutical development.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Biotechnology
  • Plant Roots
  • Secondary Metabolism
  • Agrobacterium
  • Plants, Genetically Modified

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ashwagandha

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09