SALINITY-DRIVEN METABOLOMIC ADAPTATIONS IN MEDICINAL PLANTS

Abstract

This scientific thesis discusses the formation of bioactive metabolites in medicinal plants under salinity stress. Soil salinity induces osmotic imbalance, ion toxicity and oxidative stress, which alter plant growth, photosynthesis and cellular metabolism. In response, medicinal plants activate adaptive biochemical pathways and increase the synthesis of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, organic acids and compatible solutes. The accumulation of these metabolites is closely related to antioxidant defense, osmotic adjustment, membrane stabilization and the preservation of cellular homeostasis. Understanding salinity-driven metabolomic adaptations is important for improving plant stress tolerance and for enhancing the pharmacological value of medicinal plant raw materials grown in saline environments.