The role of sound stimulation in production of plant secondary metabolites

Sound vibration is one of natural stimuli trigging physiological changes in plants. Recent studies showed that sound waves stimulated production of a variety of plant secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, in order to enhance seed germination, flowering, growth or defense. In this review, we examine the potential role of sound stimulation on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the followed cascade of physiological changes in plants, from the perspective of transcriptional regulation and epigenetic regulation for the first time. A systematic summary showed that a wide range of factors may regulate the production of secondary metabolites, including plant species, growth stage, sound types, sound frequency, sound intensity level and exposure time, etc. Biochemical and physiological changes due to sound stimulation were thoroughly summarized as well, for secondary metabolites can also act as a free radical scavenger, or a hormone signaling molecule. We also discussed the limits of previous studies, and the future application of sound waves in biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites.

Automated summary

Sound vibration is a natural stimulus that triggers physiological changes in plants, leading to the production of secondary metabolites. This review explores the potential role of sound stimulation in regulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the subsequent physiological changes in plants, focusing on transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. Various factors, such as plant species, growth stage, sound types, frequency, intensity, and exposure time, can influence the production of secondary metabolites. The review also discusses the biochemical and physiological changes induced by sound stimulation, as well as the limitations of previous studies and the future application of sound waves in plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis.