← Back to Discoveries | PubMed 2026-03-26 synthesized

miR2916-p5 and miR6478 from

Bai D, Islam MN, Cheng D, Feng H, Xu T

Summary

PubMed

Researchers identified specific microRNAs from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs that can travel from plants into the human body after ingestion, potentially influencing human gene activity. This cross-kingdom communication suggests that plant-based medicines may work partly through small RNA molecules that directly regulate human biology.

chevron_right Technical Details

Key Findings

1

miR2916-p5 and miR6478 were identified as plant-derived microRNAs capable of cross-kingdom regulation in mammals

2

Plant miRNAs can survive mammalian digestion, enter the bloodstream, and reach target tissues after oral consumption

3

Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs contain specific miRNA profiles whose composition and functions were previously uncharacterized

description

Original Abstract

Cross-kingdom regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) has been widely observed across species. Plant-derived miRNAs can be absorbed through the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, subsequently enter the bloodstream, and reach various target tissues. However, the specific composition, types, and functions of miRNAs in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, such as

hub

This connects to 8 other discoveries — 0 species, 3 topics, 5 related articles