2-Ketoglutaric Acid (α-Ketoglutarate, α-KG) is a naturally occurring organic compound with significant bioactivity.
2-Ketoglutaric acid can eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, within plant cells. These free radicals are often overproduced under stress conditions (e.g., drought, high temperatures, low temperatures) and can damage plant cell membranes, leading to oxidative stress. Its antioxidant properties help mitigate such damage and protect the integrity of cell structures.
Under stressful conditions, 2-ketoglutaric acid helps plants regulate osmotic balance by accumulating in cells to maintain water equilibrium, thus reducing cell damage caused by water deficiency.
As a vital precursor in amino acid synthesis, 2-ketoglutaric acid promotes amino acid and protein synthesis. Under stress, these proteins help plants maintain normal metabolic activities, enhancing plant resilience to adverse conditions.
2-Ketoglutaric acid also promotes the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites, which play an essential role in plant defense against diseases and stress. For example, it facilitates the production of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other antioxidants, strengthening plant resistance. By enhancing stress tolerance, 2-ketoglutaric acid can alleviate the negative impact of adverse environments on crop growth, improving yield stability.
As a biostimulant, 2-ketoglutaric acid improves plant growth and crop quality by modulating cellular and energy metabolism and increasing the uptake and utilization of key elements.
2-Ketoglutaric acid can also serve as a nutritional supplement to improve animal growth performance and health. Research shows that its appropriate inclusion in animal feed promotes protein synthesis, enhances meat quality, and strengthens immune function, improving overall animal health.
Under stress, animal metabolism shifts, often leading to insufficient energy supply. 2-Ketoglutaric acid participates in energy metabolism, improving energy efficiency and reducing stress responses, helping animals quickly restore physiological balance. It also activates the mTOR signaling pathway to promote protein synthesis, accelerating muscle growth, which is crucial for increasing growth rates and meat yield in animals.
2-Ketoglutaric acid supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibits harmful bacteria, thus maintaining gut microecological balance and reducing digestive disorders. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help eliminate free radicals in the body, alleviate oxidative stress, and protect cells from damage, which is valuable for preventing and treating diseases caused by oxidative stress.
2-Ketoglutaric acid demonstrates notable bioactivity in both plants and animals, with promising applications. In the agricultural sector, it can enhance crop stress resistance and yield stability; in animal husbandry, it can improve animal growth performance, health, and meat quality.
