Studies on Optimization of Withanolide Production in In vitro Suspension Cultures of Withania somnifera

Abstract

Withania somnifera, a multipurpose medicinal herb is a rich respository of pharmaceutically newlineactive steroidal lactones known as withanolides. In the present study, Among the 16 different newlineconcentrations and combinations of Plant Growth Regulators, 4.44and#956;M BAP and 4.44and#956;M BAP + 2.32 newlineand#956;M Kin was found to be best media combination for in vitro static and suspension shoot culture of newlineW. somnifera. Maximum biomass index was observed in 60 days in vitro shoot and roots of newlineW. somnifera. The highest withanolide A content was noted in 30 days in vitro shoot and root tissues, newlinewithaferin A in 50DIS and 30DIR. Among the field grown tissues, both withanolide A and withaferin newlineA accumulation were significantly higher at 5 month field grown leaf and root tissue respectively. The newlinetotal phytoconstituent content of phenols and flavonoids present in 2MFL, steroids in 30DIS and newlinealkaloids in 30DIR. 2MFL and 30DIS exhibited relatively higher antioxidant activity and also has newlinestrong correlation with that of FRSA. Among the stress treatments, in vitro shoots treated with 1.5 v/v newlineA. niger for 7 days and 100and#956;M SA for 4 hrs independently exhibited maximum yield in terms of newlinebiomass and withanolide content. The combination of these two elicitors showed minimal response newlinecompared to the individual elicitors. This study provides an important information to enhance newlineaccumulation of secondary metabolites, and a safety level for usage, paving the way for newlineindustrialization of in vitro shoot suspension cultures of W. somnifera. newlineMajor objectives: newlineand#61623; To study the influence of growth regulator and optimize its concentration for in vitro newlinemultiplication of W. somnifera shoots newlineand#61623; To identify the growth stage of in vitro and field grown tissues at which significant amount of newlinewithanolide accumulation occurs newlineand#61623; To compare the phytoconstituents and free radical scavenging activity of in vitro tissues with newlinefield grown plants of W. somnifera newlineand#61623; To understand the effect of elicitors on withanolide accumulation in in vitro cultures newlineand#61623; To study the biosafety of extracts