Callus inducement of Toona sinensis: Potential agents against SARS-Corona virus replication

Abstract

Bioprospecting of anti-SARS-corona virus phytochemical agents is an important issue today as an alternative to chemical drugs whose effectiveness has not been fully successful with no light effect. Quercetin, a component of Toona sinensis young leaves extract, was reported to have anti-viral activity against SARS-corona virus replication in vitro. Currently, the low efficiency of secondary metabolite production is an obstacle. Production of secondary metabolites from callus induction in vitro is considered more efficient and in a short time for commercial applications. The composition of hormones in callus media affects the secondary metabolites formed. The study was conducted to determine the effect of synthetic hormones auxin (BAP) and cytokinin (NAA) on callus percentage, fresh and dry callus cell weight and the average time of callus formation. The call percentage (100%) was obtained in different combinations of BAP and NAA in MS medium. The highest fresh weight of callus (165.50 gL−1) and dry cell weight (28.47 gL−1) were observed in MS medium (1.5 mgL−1 BAP and 1 mgL−1 NAA) within 7 days initial formation time of callus. The results showed that all the indices measured were positively correlated with callus induction in T. sinensis.