Ecological interactions affect the bioactivity of medicinal plants

Essential oils produced by medicinal plants possess important bioactive properties (antibacterial, antioxidant) of high value for human society. Pollination and herbivory can modify the chemical defences of plants and therefore they may influence the bioactivity of essential oils. However, the effect of ecological interactions on plant bioactivity has not yet been evaluated. We tested the hypothesis that cross-pollination and simulated herbivory modify the chemical composition of essential oils, improving the bioactive properties of the medicinal plant Lepechinia floribunda (Lamiaceae). Through controlled experiments, we showed that essential oils from the outcrossed plant progeny had a higher relative abundance of oxygenated terpenes and it almost doubled the bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus aureus, compared to inbred progeny (i.e., progeny produced in absence of pollinators). Herbivory affected negatively and positively the production of rare compounds in inbred and outcrossed plants, respectively, but its effects on bioactivity still remain unknown. We show for the first time that by mediating cross-pollination (indirect ecosystem service), pollinators can improve ecosystem services linked to the biological activity of plant's essential oils. We stress the importance of the qualitative component of pollination (self, cross); an aspect usually neglected in studies of pollination services.

Automated summary

Essential oils produced by medicinal plants have valuable bioactive properties. This study found that pollination and herbivory can modify the chemical composition of essential oils and influence their bioactivity. The outcrossed progeny had higher abundance of oxygenated terpenes and stronger bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus aureus compared to inbred progeny. The effects of herbivory on bioactivity are still unknown. This study highlights the importance of pollination quality (self vs. cross) in the ecosystem services related to the biological activity of plant essential oils.