Genetic Diversity and Evolutionary Ecology of Medicinal Plants: Global Perspectives on Conservation and Resilience

Medicinal plants across the world are exemplary models for studying the evolutionary and ecological processes that shape plant diversity, adaptation, and resilience. Regions of exceptional biodiversity—such as the Himalayas, the Andes, Southeast Asia, and tropical mountain systems—harbor a tremendous range of medicinally significant species. Many of these plants face mounting pressures from habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change, threatening their persistence and the ecological functions they support.This Research Topic seeks broad, integrative insights into the genetic diversity, evolutionary ecology, and resilience of medicinal plant species globally. We invite contributions that focus on fundamental natural history, including how patterns of genetic variation shape adaptation, population viability, and species distributions. Comparative and cross-regional studies are particularly encouraged to foster a deeper understanding of how evolutionary processes and environmental factors interact in shaping medicinal plant diversity in different ecosystems.Key scientific themes for submission include (but are not limited to):-Patterns and drivers of genetic diversity in wild and cultivated medicinal plants-Evolutionary and ecological processes underlying plant adaptation and resilience-Effects of selective harvesting, domestication, and cultivation on genetic structure-Population genetics and gene flow across biogeographical regions (e.g., cross-border, inter-mountain, or transcontinental analyses)-Responses of medicinal plants to environmental gradients or climate change-The role of genetic diversity in ecosystem function and co-evolution with pollinators, dispersers, and pathogens-Phylogeography, speciation, and historical biogeography of medicinally important plant lineages-Integrating genomic tools and population modeling in conservation planningWhile studies may include considerations of ethnobotanical use, sustainable management, or traditional --knowledge, the primary emphasis should remain on ecological, genetic, and evolutionary questions of broad scientific significance.We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that leverage genetics, ecology, natural history, and evolutionary biology to inform the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant diversity worldwide.For the Ethnopharmacology section:The use of taxonomically fully valid bames (binomials) is mandatory. Studies submitted to the section 'Ethnophpharmacology of Frontiers in Pharmacology need to comply with the best practice guidelines of the leading journals for pharmacological studies on plant extract / natural products including the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (http://www.frontiersin.org/files/pdf/4_pillars_FULL_TEXT.pdf) and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. A detailed description of the material studied, its extraction and processing is essential and manuscripts which lack such a description will be desk-rejected. You can freely download the full version here. Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool: https://ga-online.org/best-practice/ Topic editors: Maan B. Rokaya, Ram Chandra Poudel, Funmilola Mabel Ojo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/74317/genetic-diversity-and-evolutionary-ecology-of-medicinal-plants-global-perspectives-on-conservation-and-resilience