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In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, botanists have successfully germinated a tree species believed to have been extinct for centuries, using a seed that is approximately 1,000 years old. This ancient seed was discovered in a cave in the Judean Desert during the 1980s.
The research team, led by Dr. Sarah Sallon from the Louis L. Borick Natural Medicine Research Center at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, hypothesizes that this tree species could be linked to a medicinal balm referenced in biblical texts and other ancient writings.
The seed, found in the lower Wadi el-Makkuk region north of Jerusalem, was in remarkable condition when excavated. However, its species remained unidentified until more than a decade later when Sallon and her team took the step of planting it for further examination.
Dr. Sallon speculated that the tree might be the source of “tsori,” a plant extract known from historical accounts and attributed to the region of Gilead, a mountainous area known for its rich flora, nestled north of the Dead Sea in what is now part of Jordan.
The findings of the study, published on September 10 in the journal Communications Biology, shine a light on the historical significance of the concealed seed, which was affectionately named “Sheba” by Sallon.
Uncovering Genetic Clues
To successfully germinate the seed, Dr. Elaine Solowey, a collaborator from The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, utilized a method refined through earlier work on 2,000-year-old date palm seeds. This technique involved soaking the seed in a nutrient-rich solution before planting it in secured soil.
Approximately five weeks after planting, the first shoot emerged, a notable achievement given the seed’s age. Following the shoot’s development, the team employed radiocarbon dating, revealing the seed’s genesis to be between AD 993 and 1202.
As the tree continued to flourish, its leaves caught the attention of botany experts worldwide. One suggested it might belong to the genus Commiphora, which includes numerous species predominantly found in regions such as Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Further analyses, including DNA sequencing conducted by Dr. Andrea Weeks from George Mason University, confirmed this genus association. Yet, intriguingly, the genetic material did not match any known Commiphora species, suggesting it might represent a long-lost species indigenous to the Judean Desert.
Despite its growth to nearly 10 feet tall over the past 14 years, the tree remains unflowered and bears no fruit, essential characteristics for exact identification of the species, according to the research.
Connections to Ancient Remedies
Dr. Sallon speculated that the tree could be linked to what historical texts, including the Bible, refer to as “Judean Balsam” or “Balm of Gilead,” a prized aromatic resin known in ancient times and sought after for its fragrance.
Sallon noted, “We planted it in 2010, and now it’s 2024. Why have we waited so long to publish? Because I wanted to be certain it wasn’t the Judean Balsam—my definitive test would be its scent.”
However, as the tree matured, it revealed no aromatic qualities. A thorough analysis conducted three years after planting showed that the expected aromatic compounds, akin to those derived from the myrrh tree, were absent. Instead, the analysis unveiled various medicinal components, including “guggulterols,” noted for their potential in cancer treatment, which are also present in related Commiphora species.
Considering these findings, the team concluded that while the plant is not the famed Judean balm, it may be a close relative, potentially a treasure trove of medicinal properties.
Dr. Louise Colville, a senior research leader at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, expressed her admiration for the discovery, noting that seeds with such significant longevity are exceedingly rare. “The story of this single seed and its successful germination speaks to the potential of seed banks to conserve biodiversity for future generations,” she remarked.
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