Amid many strange science fiction stories, scientists keep on bringing in reality the past back to life or possible future happenings in one or other form.
Projects to resurrect animals that have gone extinct more recently are reaching an inflection point. Researchers are also mining ancient DNA for a potential source. Some others are reviving historical plants to study their evolution and genetic diversity. These will indeed help humans benefit from long-lost species with medicinal properties.
In the 1980s, archaeologists unearthed a pristine seed in a cave in the Judean Desert. Decades later, Dr. Sarah Sallon, founder of the Louis L. Borick Natural Medicine Research Center in Jerusalem, formed a study team that planted it to see what would happen. The sowing approach involved soaking the mysterious seed in water mixed with hormones and fertilizer before planting it in a pot of sterile soil. To the researchers’ surprise, weeks later a tiny shoot shot up. Protecting the shoot tip was a cap-like feature called an operculum. Once it had shed, the team used radiocarbon dating on the organic matter to estimate the plant’s age and found the specimen dated to between AD 993 and 1202. Here, the scientists supposed that the seed was about 1,000 years old.
Using DNA sequencing, the researchers identified the mystery tree as part of the “Commiphora” genus; however, its exact species is unknown and likely extinct. Botanists involved say the tree species could have been the source of a healing balm mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts. It is possible that the tree could be the source of the biblical “tsori”- a medicinal plant extract. Dr Sarah has named it as “Sheba.”
The tree, which is related to the myrrh tree famed for its resin, never gave off any scent. Once the plant was more mature at around 3 years old, the team conducted a phytochemical analysis on its resin, leaves, and branches to test for aromatic compounds. Instead, the team detected some compounds known for their medicinal use, including “guggulterols,” perhaps having potential cancer-fighting properties.
Seeds with such an incredible lifespan are rare, according to Dr. Louise Colville, senior research leader in seed and stress biology at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. “What’s surprising in this story is that it was just a single seed and to be able to have one chance for that to germinate is extremely lucky.”
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