EPIGENETIC MODULATION IN MEDICINAL PLANTS AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN ANIMAL HEALTHCARE

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in modulating the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. This study investigates the relationship between DNA methylation, histone acetylation, gene expression, and bioactive compound production in twenty medicinal plant species with known veterinary relevance. Utilizing a mixed-methods experimental framework, we employed bisulfite sequencing, ChIP-qPCR, and qRT-PCR to profile epigenetic marks and gene expression, alongside LC-MS/MS for metabolite quantification. Our results revealed a strong inverse correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression (r = –0.78) and a positive correlation between histone acetylation and transcript abundance (r = 0.81). Species with low methylation and high acetylation exhibited significantly elevated expression of biosynthetic genes (e.g., PAL, CHS), accompanied by increased metabolite yields. In vivo trials on small ruminants demonstrated significant reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 levels and enhanced gut microbial diversity following extract administration. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and multivariate regression, confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of these extracts. Additionally, qualitative insights from veterinary practitioners supported the clinical potential of these phytotherapeutics. Collectively, the findings emphasize the functional relevance of epigenetic modulation in medicinal plants and advocate its translational application in developing sustainable, evidence-based treatments for animal healthcare.