In vitro regeneration and extraction of secondary metabolites in Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa

Aegle marmelos is an important ayurvedic medicinal tree belonging to the family of Rutaceae. A.marmelos is used in the treatment of various diseases like cholera, dysentery, gastroenteritis and diabetes. The present study was carried out to develop an efficient in vitro regeneration system via callus phase by using various plant growth regulators and to identify the presence of potent medicinal compounds in the callus extracts of the plant. The effects of various plant growth regulators (Auxins and Cytokinins) in plant growth and the best organic solvents for the extraction of medicinal compounds were studied. The nodal explants of A. marmelos were cultured on MS medium containing various concentrations of auxins (IAA, IBA and 2,4-D) in combination with 0.5 mg/l of BA for callus induction. Among them 2,4-D (1.5 mg/l) responded well by giving the maximum percentage of callus induction (86%). The 5-6 weeks old Green compact nodular (GCN) callus was transferred to shoot induction medium (SIM) containing MS + BA (1.5 mg/l) + 2,4-D (0.2 mg/l) and produced maximum of 9-10 shoots / explant. The shoots were elongated [maximum shoot length-8.2cm] using MS + GA3 (0.5mg/l) + BA (1.5 mg/l), where as IBA (1.5mg/l) produced maximum no of roots (9-10 roots/explant). The rooted plants were hardened in mist chamber at a survival rate of 75%. For the extraction of secondary metabolites (medicinal compounds), well developed (5-6 weeks old) Green compact nodular callus tissue (approximately 200 mg dry weight) was dried at room temperature and extracted with organic solvents such as Acetone, Methanol, Benzene, Petroleum ether and Chloroform. The presence of the medicinal compounds such as alkaloids, Flavonoids, Phenolic Compounds, Steroids, Saponins and Xanthoproteins were detected.

Author(s): H. Abirami and P. Suresh Kumar*

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