L-Dopa production and antioxidant activity in Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell regeneration

Abstract

Hybanthus enneaspermus is an ethanobotanical plant extensively used in Indian traditional medicine. Quick and efficient in vitro mass propagation of this plant species was established for commercial utilization from leaf and node explants using various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators and polyamines. The maximum number of multiple shoots per leaf explant (40 shoots) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 20 mg/l spermidine in combination with 4 mg/l BA+1.5 mg/l IAA after 8 weeks of culture. The elongated shoots were rooted (16 roots/shoot) on MS medium with the best concentration of IBA (1.5 mg/l) and in combination with 20 mg/l putrescine after 5 weeks of culture. The plants were successfully acclimatized (98 %) in the sand: soil: vermiculite mixture (1:1:1 v/v/v) in the greenhouse. An increased antioxidant activity was recorded in vitro regenerated shoots when compared to in vitro-induced roots. L-Dopa content was recorded higher in leaves (8.31 mg/g DW) followed by stem (6.22 mg/g DW) and root (3.22 mg/g DW) of leaf-derived plants than the fieldgrown parent plant after 5 weeks. By adopting this protocol, the regenerated-plants could be used for drug production and pharmacology work with as an alternative to field-grown plants.

From farm to pharm: taking plant pharmaceuticals from research to production

“…The proper maturation of viral proteins and low contamination risks in plants present advantages for vaccine production as well [42]. Low production costs, easy scale-up, omission of purification before administration and possible bioencapsulation led to the production of immunogenic antigens in many plant species, some edible, with transgene expression of up to 70% of total soluble protein for engineered chloroplast genomes [43].…”

“…Cyclotides have been characterized in many plant species; however, rarely with the goal of H. enneaspermus is used as aphrodisiac, treatment of urinary infections, gonorrhoea, asthma, and many more conditions in traditional Indian medicine [42]. The connection of these properties to cyclotides is currently researched in our group.…”