In vitro propagation of an endangered medicinal plant Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir

In vitro production of steroidal saponin, total phenols and antioxidant activity in callus suspension culture of Paris polyphylla Smith: an important Himalayan medicinal plant

Paris polyphylla Smith (Melanthiaceae) family, which is native to the Himalayan region, has received a lot of attention recently due to its extensive history of usage in traditional medicine. The production of steroidal saponin from callus suspension cultures of P. polyphylla was observed in the current study. The current study attempted to develop a P. polyphylla plant callus suspension culture through optimization of cultivation technique for callus suspension, quantification of total phenolic components and estimation of the extract's antioxidant activity. A light-yellow callus was formed within six weeks of cultivating rhizomes on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with Thidiazuron (TDZ). Furthermore, the effect of TDZ, Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA), and Yeast Extract (YE) on callus growth, steroidal saponin (dioscin and diosgenin), total phenolic content, total flavonoids, total tannin, and total antioxidant activity was also measured. The medium containing 0.5 μM TDZ depicted the maximum callus biomass (2.98 g fresh weight). Significantly high phenolic and tannin content was observed in the MS medium containing 50 μM MeJA, whereas, no significant increase was observed in total tannin production in any treatment. Three in vitro assays, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential) and FC (Folin-Ciocalteu), were used to assess antioxidant potential of callus. Maximum antioxidant analysis reported in 1.0 μM TDZ (6.89 mM AAE/100 g) containing medium followed by 50 μM MeJA (6.44 mM AAE/100 g). The HPLC analysis showed a high presence of dioscin and diosgenin (5.43% and 21.09%, respectively) compared to the wild sample (2.56% and 15.05%, respectively). According to the results, callus produced on media supplemented with 50 μM MeJA have significant phenolic contents and elevated antioxidant activity; nevertheless, callus growth was greater in the presence of 0.5 μM TDZ. The findings of the current study have commercial implications since greater biomass production will result in active phytochemicals that the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors are in need desperately.

Effect of different plant growth regulators on callus and adventitious shoots induction, polysaccharides accumulation and antioxidant activity of Rhodiola dumulosa

Objective

As a medicinal plant, the resource of Rhodiola dumulosa is deficient along with the large collection. For the protection and utilization of R. dumulosa, the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on callus induction and adventitious shoots differentiation, polysaccharide production and the antioxidant activity were tested.

Methods

Internodes of R. dumulosa were used as explants and cultured on MS medium plus different plant growth regulators (PGRs). The anti-oxidative activities of polysaccharides were evaluated using radical scavenging assays.

Results

By response surface plot, 0.85 mg/L N6-benzyladenine (BA), 0.34 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.33 mg/L 2,4-dicholorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were the optimal factors for callus induction (90.03%) from internodes explants on MS medium. The fresh weight of green callus increased 47.26 fold, when callus was inoculated on MS + thidiazuron (TDZ) 0.5 mg/L + NAA 2.0 mg/L. Adventitious buds regenerated from callus on the media of MS were fortified with BA 1.0 mg/L plus NAA 0.5 mg/L, and the induction rate was 40.00%. MS plus indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 1.0 mg/L produced the highest rooting rate with 10 to 15 roots in a length of 2-3 cm per shoot. The content of total polysaccharides in callus developed on MS + TDZ 0.5 mg/L + NAA 2.0 mg/L and MS + BA 1.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L was as high as 1.72%-2.15%. At the dose of 0.5 mg/mL polysaccharides extracted from different callus induced on MS + NAA 2.0 mg/L + TDZ 0.5 mg/L or MS + BA 1.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L or MS + BA 0.5 mg/L + 2,4-D 0.5 mg/L, the ABTS radical eliminating percentages were 82.78%, 80.18% and 68.59%, respectively, much higher than that of wild plant.

Conclusion

A rapid micropropagation system for R. dumulosa has been developed. The combination of TDZ and NAA or BA and NAA can increase the yield of the total polysaccharides. The polysaccharides isolated from callus and whole wild plants had stronger free radicals scavenging activities, indicating that polysaccharides from R. dumulosa are the potential pharmaceutical supplements.

Development of an efficient micropropagation system for Dioscorea bulbifera L. and phytochemical profile of regenerated plants

Background

The present study was designed to develop an improved in vitro regeneration system for Dioscorea bulbifera using mature nodal explants. Direct organogenesis from nodal segments was achieved by culturing the nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 3.5 mgl⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Shoot multiplication was widely affected by the kind and concentration of plant growth regulators, and the sub-culturing of in vitro regenerated shootlets on fresh medium. After incubation for 4 weeks at optimum BAP concentration, cultures were transferred to secondary medium with BAP (optimized concentration) supplemented with different auxins.

Results

On medium with 3.5 mgl⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine, maximum regeneration (87 ± 1.85%) with an average shoot number of 2.0 ± 0.08, and length of 3.5 ± 0.04 cm were observed after 4 weeks of incubation. Maximum number of shoots (3.9 ± 0.21) was observed with 3.5 mgl⁻¹ BAP in combination with 0.75 mgl⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid. The best root formation was observed on ½ MS medium supplemented with 0.75 mgl⁻¹ α-naphthalene acetic acid, with 4.7 ± 0.03 roots per shoot. The well-rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized in with 100% survival rate. The plantlets grew well with normal growth, flowering and showed, by High performance thin layer chromatography, almost same number of phytoconstituents compared with the mother plant.

Conclusions

This is the first study on comparative phytochemical analysis of wild growing and in vitro regenerated plants of D. bulbifera which validates the medicinal and nutritional properties of in vitro raised plants.

UPLC-MS-Based Non-targeted Analysis of Endogenous Metabolite Changes in the Leaves of Scabiosa tschiliensis Grüning Induced by 6-Benzylaminopurine and Kinetin

In vitro propagation technology with plant growth regulators (PGRs) is generally applied in the cultivation of Scabiosa tschiliensis, which can solve collection difficulties and limited resources of S. tschiliensis. Nevertheless, comprehensive metabolomic evaluation on S. tschiliensis with PGR effects is still lacking. In this work, a non-targeted metabolomics approach, coupled with statistical and pathway enrichment analysis, was used to assess the regulatory influences of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and kinetin (KT) applied in S. tschiliensis. The results showed that the PGRs affect metabolism differentially, and the addition of 6-BA and KT can increase different secondary metabolites. In the two PGR groups, some primary metabolites such as L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-arginine, L-asparagine, and D-proline were significantly reduced. We suspect that under the action of PGRs, these decreased amino acids are derived into secondary metabolites such as umbelliferone, chlorogenic acid, and glutathione. Additionally, some of those secondary metabolites have a biological activity and can also promote the plant growth. Our results provide a basis for the targeted cultivation and utilization of S. tschiliensis, especially the expression of metabolites related to PGR application.

Toxicological evaluation of S. involucrata culture: Acute, 90-day subchronic and genotoxicity studies

Saussurea involucrata is an endangered plant that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Through the use of plant cell culture techniques, preparations of Saussurea involucrata (S. involucrata) cell cultures have been developed and used to generate medicinal preparations. There have been few evidence-based analyses of the toxicological effects of S. involucrata culture conducted to date. Here, we conducted the experiments designed to assess the acute, subchronic, and genotoxic toxicological effects of S. involucrata culture. The genotoxic study was assessed through Ames, marrow micronucleus, and sperm malformation assays. The acute toxicity was assessed by orally administering in rats and mice at dose of 7500 mg/kg. Subchronic toxicity studies were then conducted by administering rats at doses of 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/kg for 90 days. No genotoxicity was observed at any tested dose levels, nor was any evidence of acute toxicity detected in treated mice or rats. Similarly, subchronic study of S. involucrata culture administration was not associated with any changes in rat food intake, weight, hematological parameters, organ weight, or organ histology. Then, we determined that the no observed adverse effect level of S. involucrata culture was greater than 1500 mg/kg in our 90-day toxicity study.

New Saussurea (Asteraceae) species from Bogeda Mountain, eastern Tianshan, China, and inference of its evolutionary history and medical usage

In this study, Saussurea bogedaensis Yu-J. Wang & Jie Chen, a new species from Bogeda Mountain in the eastern part of the Tianshan Mountains, is described and discussed based on evidence in terms of both morphological and genetic data. S. bogedaensis is morphologically similar to S. involucrata, which is distributed in the western part of the Tianshan Mountains, and it is well known because of its beauty, rarity, and medicinal value. The new species is also similar to S. orgaadayi, which is distributed in the nearby Altai Mountains. Our genetic data support the close relationships among these three species. According to their allopathic distributions, we suggest that these three species are derived from the same ancestor but that they differentiated after reaching their current range. In addition, we propose that the new species might serve as an alternative to S. involucrata in medicine due to their very high similarity. However, this species appears to be rare because we only found six mature individuals in the field despite extensive investigations.

Development of an efficient callus proliferation system for Rheum coreanum Nakai, a rare medicinal plant growing in Democratic People's Republic of Korea

A clonal mass propagation to obtain mountainous sources of Rheum coreanum Nakai, a rare medicinal plant in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was established by rhizome tissue culture. Whole plants were selected and collected as a vigorous individual free from blights and harmful insects among wild plants of R. coreanum grown on the top of Mt. Langrim (1.540 m above the sea) situated at the northern extremity of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Induction of the callus was determined using four organs separated from the whole plant and different plant growth regulators. The callus was successfully induced from rhizome explant on MS medium containing 2.4-D (0.2–0.3 mg/l). In the MS medium supplemented with a combination of BAP (2 mg/l) and NAA (0.2 mg/l), single NAA (0.5 mg/l), or IBA (0.5 mg/l), a higher number of shoot, root and plantlets was achieved. The survival rate on the mountainous region of the plantlets successfully acclimatized (100%) in greenhouse reached 95%, and yields of crude drug and contents of active principles were higher than those obtained by sexual and vegetative propagation. This first report of R. coreanum tissue culture provides an opportunity to control extinction threats and an efficient callus proliferation system for growing resources rapidly on a large scale.

In vitro culture and production of syringin and rutin in Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) - an endangered medicinal plant

BACKGROUND

Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) commonly known as 'snow lotus' or 'Xue Lian' is an important plant in the traditional Chinese system of medicine. The plant contains flavonoids such as syringin and rutin. These compounds have been reported to be anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, prevent cardiovascular diseases, enhance immunity, and act as anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-fatigue agents. The species has become endangered due to the excessive collection of S. involucrata plants in the wild, slower plant growth and ecological destruction of natural habitats. There is a severe shortage of plant material, while the market demand is ever increasing. Hence, it is very important to apply tissue culture technique for plant propagation and production of the bioactive compounds of this species.

RESULTS

Multiple shoot induction and proliferation in shoot base explants derived from in vitro raised seedlings of S. involucrata was achieved on 3/4 strength of Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium (MSBM) supplemented with 1.0 mg/L-1 BA and 1.5 mg/L-1 NAA. Rooting was induced in 100 % shoots cultured on 1/2X MSBM supplemented with 1.0 mg/L-1 IBA for one week and then transfer to auxin free medium. The plantlets could be acclimatized successfully by sachet technique and established in the greenhouse. Maximum callus induction and proliferation in leaf segments was achieved on 1/2X MSBM supplemented with 0.5 mg/L-1 BA, 0.5 mg/L-1 NAA, 0.4 % gelrite and on incubation at 20 °C. Container closures had an influence on the quality and quantity of callus and production of the active compounds. The HPLC analysis showed much higher syringin content in in vitro shoots and callus as compared to commercially available market crude drug.

CONCLUSION

The present study describes an in vitro culture protocol of Saussurea involucrata. The bioactive compounds, syringin and rutin could be produced through tissue culture technique without sacrificing the endangered Saussurea involucrata plants in the wild.

Saussurea involucrata: A review of the botany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology of a rare traditional herbal medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saussurea involucrata Matsum. & Koidz. is an endangered species of the Asteraceae family, growing in the high mountains of central Asia. It has been, and is, widely used in traditional Uyghur, Mongolian and Kazakhstan medicine as well as in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Tianshan Snow Lotus (Chinese: ). In traditional medical theory, S. involucrata can promote blood circulation, thereby alleviating all symptoms associated with poor circulation. It also reputedly eliminates cold and dampness from the body, diminishes inflammation, invigorates, and strengthens Yin and Yang. It has long been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, cough with cold, stomach ache, dysmenorrhea, and altitude sickness in Uyghur and Chinese medicine.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To comprehensively summarize the miscellaneous research that has been done regarding the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activity, and toxicology of S. involucrata.

METHOD

An extensive review of the literature was carried out. Apart from different electronic databases including SciFinder, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), ScienceDirect that were sourced for information, abstracts, full-text articles and books written in English and Chinese, including those traditional records tracing back to the Qing Dynasty. Pharmacopoeia of China and other local herbal records in Uighur, Mongolian and Kazakhstan ethnomedicines were investigated and compared for pertinent information.

RESULTS

The phytochemistry of S. involucrata has been comprehensively investigated. More than 70 compounds have been isolated and identified; they include phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, coumarins, lignans, sesquiterpenes, steroids, ceramides, polysaccharides. Scientific studies on the biological activity of S. involucrata are equally numerous. The herb has been shown to have anti-neoplastic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidative, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, anti-hypoxic, neuroprotective and immunomodulating effects. Many have shown correlations to the traditional clinical applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine and medicines. The possible mechanisms of S. involucrata in treating various cancers are revealed in the article, these include inhibition of cancer cells by affecting their growth, adhesion, migration, aggregation and invasion, inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in cancer cells, hindrance of cancer cell proliferation, causing cytotoxicity to cancer cells and promoting expression of tumor suppressor genes. Dosage efficacy is found to be generally concentration- and time-dependent. However, studies on the correlation between particular chemical constituents and specific bioactivities are limited.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we have documented the existing traditional uses of S. involucrata and summarized recent research into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of S. involucrata. Many of the traditional uses have been validated by phytochemical and modern pharmacological studies but there are still some areas where the current knowledge could be improved. Although studies have confirmed that S. involucrata has a broad range of bioactivities, further in-depth studies on the exact bioactive molecules and the mechanism of action are expected. Whether we should use this herb independently or in combination deserves to be clarified. The exact quality control as well as the toxicology studies is necessary to guarantee the stability and safety of the clinic use. The sustainable use of this endangered resource was also addressed. In conclusion, this review was anticipated to highlight the importance of S. involucrata and provides some directions for the future development of this plant.

A new polyphenol, 1, 3-di-O-caffeoyl-5-O-(1-methoxyl-2-O-caffeoyl-4-maloyl)-quinic acid, isolated from cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata

The present study was designed to isolate the polyphenol constituents of cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata. The polyphenol type constituents were isolated using chromatography methods, and then characterized by spectral analysis. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging were assayed using Vitamin C as the positive control. One new polyphenol 18, 1, 3-di-O-caffeoyl-5-O-(1-methoxyl-2-O-caffeoyl-4-maloyl)-quinic acid, together with 17 known compounds, was isolated and characterized. In conclusion, Compound 18 was a new caffeoyl maloyl quinic acid type polyphenol and showed desired vitro anti-oxidant activity. Compounds 1-5, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 17 were isolated from cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata for the first time.

Efficient protocol for rapid Aloe vera micropropagation

CONTEXT

Aloe vera Linn. (Liliaceae) is a medicinal plant and has a number of curative properties. Vegetative propagation has not enough potential for supplying market demand. However, via in vitro propagation makes possible the mass production of Aloe plants.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was conducted to investigate growth regulators' effects on proliferation of A. vera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, for comparison of plant growth regulators' effects on proliferation, the shoot tips and auxiliary buds of A. vera were cultured in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Rooted plantlets were transferred to garden soil, compost, and sand in the proportion of 1:1:1, respectively, after hardening.

RESULTS

The maximum number of shoots was obtained on the medium supplemented with 1 mg/L IAA+4 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L IAA+0.8 BAP mg/L. Rooting was also achieved in the same media composition proliferation of shoot. The acclimatized plants showed 100% of survival. The regenerated plants looked healthy, and they were morphologically similar to that of stock plants.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that in vitro culture may be used as a technique for rapid propagation of A. vera.

Valuing the Endangered Species Antirrhinum lopesianum: Neuroprotective Activities and Strategies for in vitro Plant Propagation

Plant phytochemicals are described as possessing considerable neuroprotective properties, due to radical scavenging capacity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, important bioactivities in neurodegeneration. Antirrhinum lopesianum is a rare endemism from the Iberian Peninsula, occurring at the northeastern border between Portugal and Spain. It is classified as Endangered, due to its highly fragmented geographical occupation, facing a high risk of extinction in the Portuguese territory, within 20 years. Here, we describe for the first time the chemical characterization of extracts of the species concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. The profile of high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) of the polyphenol-enriched fraction of plant extracts was also performed, showing the great potential of the species as a source of bioactive phytochemical compounds. A. lopesianum’s potential for neuroprotection was revealed by a significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and also by a neuroprotective effect on a human cell model of neurodegeneration. Moreover, this is the first report describing a successful procedure for the in vitro propagation of this endangered species. The comparison of phenolic content and the HPLC-DAD profile of wild and in vitro propagated plants revealed that in vitro plants maintain the ability to produce secondary metabolites, but the profiles are differentially affected by the growth regulators. The results presented here greatly contribute to the value for this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits.

Induction and analysis of the alkaloid mitragynine content of a Mitragyna speciosa suspension culture system upon elicitation and precursor feeding

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations and combinations of the phytohormones 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on callus induction and to demonstrate the role of elicitors and exogenous precursors on the production of mitragynine in a Mitragyna speciosa suspension culture. The best callus induction was achieved from petiole explants cultured on WPM that was supplemented with 4 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-D (70.83%). Calli were transferred to liquid media and agitated on rotary shakers to establish Mitragyna speciosa cell suspension cultures. The optimum settled cell volume was achieved in the presence of WPM that contained 3 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-D and 3% sucrose (9.47 ± 0.4667 mL). The treatment of cultures with different concentrations of yeast extract and salicylic acid for different inoculation periods revealed that the highest mitragynine content as determined by HPLC was achieved from the culture treated with 250 mg L⁻¹ yeast extract (9.275 ± 0.082 mg L⁻¹) that was harvested on day 6 of culturing; salicylic acid showed low mitragynine content in all concentrations used. Tryptophan and loganin were used as exogenous precursors; the highest level of mitragynine production was achieved in cultures treated with 3  μM tryptophan and harvested at 6 days (13.226 ± 1.98 mg L⁻¹).

Effect of lanthanum on rooting of in vitro regenerated shoots of Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir

In present study, the effect of lanthanum (La) on the rooting of regenerated shoots of Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir was analyzed. Rooting occurred from regenerated shoots inoculated on a medium supplemented with La, the plant rooting hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), or both La and IAA together. The highest rooting efficiency (96%), root number/shoot (8.5), and root length (63 mm) were recorded in shoots cultured on medium containing 2.5 μM IAA combined with 100 μM La(3+). In order to elucidate the mechanism of rooting enhancement by La, we examined dynamic changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in plant tissue over time in culture. We found that the activities of peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher in plant tissue cultured in IAA plus La than in La or IAA alone. At the same time, the highest H(2)O(2) content was detected in plant tissue in the presence of 2.5 μM IAA plus 100 μM La(3+). In light of these data and previous results, we speculate that La enhanced IAA-induced rooting by acting as a mild abiotic stress to stimulate POX and SOD activities in plant cells. Then, IAA reacted with oxygen and POX to form the ternary complex enzyme-IAA-O(2) that dissociated into IAA radicals and O(2)(-). Subsequently, IAA-induced O(2)(-) readily converted to hydroxyl radical (HO·) via SOD-catalyzed dismutation. Finally, cell wall loosening and cell elongation occurred as a consequence of HO-dependent scission of wall components, leading to root growth. The treatment of IAA combined with La resulted in the highest plantlet survival (80%) compared to single treatments with IAA or La alone. These data suggest that rare earth elements enhance root morphogenesis and the growth of S. involucrata.

Quality evaluation of snow lotus (Saussurea): quantitative chemical analysis and antioxidant activity assessment

Snow lotus is commonly used as a medicinal plant and has great pharmacological value. To protect these endangered plants, in vitro propagation and cell cultures have been established in order to meet the growing market demand. The phenolic composition, antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) from three most commonly used species, in vitro propagated lines and the cell cultures were investigated to qualify their pharmacological value. Quantitative analysis showed that the phenolics varied greatly among different species and the same species at different habitats. From this it can be inferred that the phenolics were influenced by genetic background and the environmental conditions. Significant correlations were observed between the antioxidant activity and several phenolics/TPC/TFC, suggesting that the phenolics are a major contributor of the antioxidant activity and are important for quality evaluation of snow lotus. Based on the abundance of phenolics, TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity, the order of the quality for wild species would be Saussurea involucrata > Saussurea medusa > Saussurea gossypiphora. For S. medusa, its quality judged by origin would be Shigatse > Lhasa > Nagqu. For in vitro propagated plants, the matured plants could be a reliable substitute for wild plants, and the dynamics of phenolics is critical for quality control of this monocarpic species. We provide the first report of quality comparison between the wild plants and the cell cultures. The advantages of developing cell cultures as alternatives for plants collected from the wild are discussed.

The promoting role of an isolate of dark-septate fungus on its host plant Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir

A dark-septate endophytic (DSE) fungus EF-37 was isolated from the roots of Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir., an endangered Chinese medicinal plant. The molecular identification of the fungus was based on internal transcribed spacer regions and the result showed that EF-37 was congeneric to Mycocentrospora. This study was conducted to clarify the influence of the root endophyte EF-37 on the host plant S. involucrata using material grown in a sterile culture bottle. After cultivation for 40 days, fungal hyphae were found to be branching repeatedly and forming "hyphae nets" in the epidermal layers. Significant differences were detected between the study groups in plant dry weight, plant height, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and the number of hair root tips. There was a positive effect of endophyte EF-37 on plant root development, with results showing that cortical cells dissolved and formed aerate structures. There was a positive effect of endophyte EF-37 on plant growth, but chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the study groups. In addition, analysis of the chemical composition of seedlings showed that the level of rutin was higher in plants cultivated with the EF-37 fungus compared to the controls. This study helps to establish a basis for germplasm conservation and for further investigation of the interaction between dark-septate fungi and this alpine plant.

Chemical constituents from the cell cultures of Saussurea involucrata

The chemical constituents of the cell cultures of Saussurea involucrata were systematically investigated, thus a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene together with 14 known compounds was isolated. Among them, syringin is the main compound with an isolated yield of 0.3%. The new compound was characterized as 11 beta H-2 alpha-hydroxy-eudesman-4(15)-en-12,8 beta-olide (1) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data.

Plant regeneration of Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz. and its chromatographic fingerprint analysis for quality control

An efficient micropropagation system for Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz., an important medicinal plant for heart disease, has been developed. Shoot organogenesis occurred from E. breviscapus leaf explants inoculated on a medium supplemented with a combination of plant growth regulators. On average, 17 shoots per leaf explant were produced after 30 days when they were cultured on MS basal salts and vitamin medium containing 5 microM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 5 microM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). All the regenerated shoots formed complete plantlets on a medium containing 2.5-10 microM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) within 30 days, and 80.2% of the regenerated plantlets survived and grew vigorously in field conditions. Based on the variation in common peaks and the produced amount of the most important bioactive component, scutellarin, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting system was developed for quality control of these micropropagated plants. Chemical constituents in E. breviscapus micropropagated plants varied during plant development from regeneration to maturation, the latter of which showed the most similar phytochemical profile in comparison with mother plants. The regeneration protocol and HPLC fingerprint analysis developed here provided a new approach to quality control of micropropagated plants producing secondary metabolites with significant implications for germplasm conservation.