Genotypic and Seasonal Variation of Plumbagin Content from Different Populations of Plumbago zeylanica L. in India

Abstract

Plumbago zeylanica Linn. is an important medicinal plant from south east Asia. Roots of this plant are reported to have several phytochemicals, among which plumbagin is the most important compound that is synthesized by polyketide synthase using acetyl-CoA as a precursor. In the present study plumbagin content in roots of the plants collected from thirteen phyto-geographical regions of India were analysed by using high performance liquid chromatography. The present results suggested genotypic variations in plumbagin content among populations of Plumbago. Highest amount was detected in plants from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and lowest was found in plants from Kolli hills, Tamil Nadu. Seasonal variation was also observed in the synthesis of plumbagin in Plumbago plants. Expression analysis of polyketide synthase gene in roots was studied using Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction to get better insight into its role in plumbagin synthesis. Results showed that expression of polyketide synthase gene is correlated with the level of plumbagin content in the roots of the plants.