Using evolutionary tools to search for novel psychoactive plants

摘要: Bioprospecting is the search for valuable products from natural sources. Given that most species are poorly known, a key question where to search. Ethnodirected bioprospecting approaches use traditional knowledge in process of selecting plants screen desired properties. A complementary approach utilize phylogenetic analyses based on uses or known chemistry identify lineages which properties likely be found. Novel discoveries plant bioactivity these can aid development treatments diseases with unmet medical needs. For example, neurological disorders growing concern, and psychoactive used medicine may provide botanical sources relevant treating related brain nervous system. However, no systematic study has explored diversity distribution plants. We compiled database 501 their published mapped attributes tree all land genera showed not randomly distributed phylogeny plants; instead certain show overabundance Furthermore, employing ‘hot nodes’ lineages, we narrow down our novel 8.5% psychoactivity general 1–4% specific categories investigated. Our results showcase potential using bioprospect serve as foundation future investigations.