Researchers have successfully engineered tomato and tobacco plants to produce diosmin, a natural compound commonly used in dietary supplements to support healthy circulation and vein function. By adding specific genes to these plants, scientists were able to create diosmin and similar compounds directly in the plants’ tissues. This breakthrough could eventually provide a more natural and sustainable way to produce this supplement compared to current chemical manufacturing methods. While the amounts produced are still small, this research demonstrates that plants can be modified to create beneficial health compounds.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can scientists teach plants to make diosmin, a supplement used for vein and circulation health, by adding specific genes to them?
  • Who participated: The study used genetically modified tomato plants (MicroTom variety) and tobacco plants in laboratory conditions. No human participants were involved.
  • Key finding: Transgenic tomato plants successfully produced diosmin at levels of 474 nanograms per gram of dried peel weight, and tobacco plants produced it at 20.5 nanograms per gram of dried leaf weight, along with two related compounds.
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that in the future, we might be able to grow health supplements like diosmin in plants rather than making them through chemical processes. However, the amounts produced are still very small, and much more research is needed before this becomes a practical way to produce supplements for people to use.

The Research Details

Scientists used a genetic engineering technique called ‘gene stacking’ to insert four specific genes into tomato and tobacco plants. These genes code for enzymes—biological tools that help plants create diosmin and related compounds. The researchers first identified and studied these genes from other sources, then combined them into a single genetic package that could be inserted into the plant cells. The modified plants were then grown in laboratory conditions, and the researchers measured how much diosmin and related compounds the plants produced in their tissues.

This approach is different from traditional breeding because it allows scientists to add genes from different sources directly into the plant’s DNA. The researchers chose tomato and tobacco because these plants naturally produce similar compounds, making them good candidates for producing diosmin.

The study represents the first time scientists have successfully created these specific types of flavone compounds (a class of plant chemicals) in plants through genetic engineering, rather than extracting them from natural sources or making them through chemical processes.

Understanding how to engineer plants to produce health compounds is important because it could eventually provide a more sustainable and cost-effective way to make supplements. Currently, diosmin is made through chemical processes that require multiple steps and energy. If plants could be engineered to produce it naturally, this could reduce manufacturing costs and environmental impact. This research also helps scientists understand how plant metabolism works and how different genes control the production of beneficial compounds.

This is original research published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used established genetic engineering techniques and measured their results using scientific instruments. However, the study was conducted in laboratory conditions with plants, not in real-world farming situations or in human studies. The amounts of diosmin produced are still quite small compared to what would be needed for commercial production. The study does not include information about whether these compounds would be safe or effective if consumed from these engineered plants.

What the Results Show

The main success of this study was that the genetically modified plants actually produced diosmin and related compounds. In tomato plants, the peel (outer skin) contained diosmin at a level of 474 nanograms per gram of dried material. This is a measurable amount, though still quite small. In tobacco plants, the leaves contained diosmin at 20.5 nanograms per gram of dried material, which is lower than in tomatoes.

Beyond diosmin, the tobacco plants also produced two related compounds called linarin and isorhoifolin. Linarin appeared at much higher levels (299.5 nanograms per gram), while isorhoifolin was present in very small amounts (2.8 nanograms per gram). This shows that the genetic modifications worked, but different plants and different parts of plants produced different amounts of these compounds.

The researchers also discussed how the plants’ natural enzymes and internal chemical processes affected how much of these compounds were made. This suggests that future improvements might be possible by further optimizing how the genes work within the plant’s natural systems.

An important secondary finding was that different plant tissues accumulated different levels of the compounds. The tomato peel had the highest concentration of diosmin, while tobacco leaves produced more of the related compound linarin. This variation suggests that the location where these compounds are stored in the plant matters, and future research could focus on directing the plant to produce more of these compounds in specific tissues. The researchers also noted that the plants’ own natural metabolic processes influenced how much of each compound was produced, indicating that there may be room for improvement through additional genetic modifications.

This is the first study to successfully create these specific types of flavone compounds in plants through genetic engineering. Previous research had identified the individual genes needed and had created some simpler versions of these compounds in plants, but this study combined multiple genes to create the more complex diosmin molecule. The traditional method of obtaining diosmin involves extracting a related compound called hesperidin from citrus fruits and then chemically converting it through a process called dehydrogenation. This new plant-based approach could eventually offer an alternative to chemical synthesis.

The study has several important limitations. First, the amounts of diosmin produced are very small—measured in nanograms per gram of plant material. To be useful as a supplement source, plants would need to produce much larger quantities. Second, this research was done in laboratory conditions with carefully controlled plants; it’s unclear whether these results would work the same way in field conditions or in commercial farming. Third, the study does not include any testing in animals or humans to confirm that diosmin produced this way would be safe or effective to consume. Fourth, the researchers did not test whether growing these plants would be practical or economical compared to current production methods. Finally, the study does not address potential environmental or safety concerns related to releasing genetically modified plants into the environment.

The Bottom Line

At this stage, there are no recommendations for consumers because this research is still in early laboratory stages. The diosmin produced in these plants is not yet available for human use. If you currently use diosmin supplements for vein or circulation health, continue using products from established manufacturers. This research suggests that in the future, plant-based sources of diosmin might become available, but that is likely many years away and would require additional safety testing and regulatory approval.

This research is most relevant to: (1) Scientists and researchers working on plant biotechnology and supplement production; (2) Pharmaceutical and supplement companies interested in new production methods; (3) People interested in sustainable and natural sources of health compounds; (4) Policymakers considering regulations for genetically modified plants used in food and supplements. People currently using diosmin supplements should not change their habits based on this research, as it does not yet provide an alternative source.

This is very early-stage research. If this technology were to become practical, it would likely take 10-20 years or more before genetically modified plants producing diosmin could be grown commercially and approved for use in supplements. Additional research would be needed to increase production levels, test safety in animals and humans, develop farming methods, and obtain regulatory approval. Consumers should not expect to see diosmin-producing tomatoes or tobacco in stores in the near future.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If users currently take diosmin supplements for circulation or vein health, they could track: (1) Dosage taken and frequency; (2) Any symptoms they’re monitoring (such as leg heaviness, swelling, or discomfort); (3) Overall energy and circulation-related wellness on a simple 1-10 scale. This creates a baseline for comparison if plant-based diosmin products become available in the future.
  • Users interested in this emerging research could: (1) Set a reminder to check back on this research topic in 2-3 years to see if there are updates; (2) Follow reputable nutrition science sources to learn about new supplement production methods; (3) If they use diosmin supplements, keep detailed notes about their current product source and any effects they notice, which could help them evaluate new products if they become available.
  • For long-term tracking, users could maintain a simple log of: (1) Current diosmin supplement use (brand, dose, frequency); (2) Reasons for use and any benefits noticed; (3) Periodic check-ins (every 3-6 months) to reassess whether the supplement is meeting their health goals. This creates a personal baseline that could be useful if new plant-based sources become available and users want to compare effectiveness.

This research is laboratory-based and has not been tested in humans. The diosmin produced in these genetically modified plants is not currently available for human consumption and has not undergone safety or efficacy testing in people. If you are considering using diosmin supplements for any health condition, consult with your healthcare provider before starting. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your supplement regimen or treating any medical condition.