In Vitro Propagation and Phytochemical Assessment of Aconitum ferox Wall: A Threatened Medicinal Plant of Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract

This is the first report on in vitro propagation and phytochemical assessment of Aconitum ferox (Ranunculaceae), a threatened medicinal plant of Sikkim Himalaya. A simple and efficient in vitro propagation protocol through indirect shoot organogenesis has been established for A. ferox using root tip explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.26 µM 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) was found to be the best medium to induce and maintain the callus. Different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) were tested for in vitro shoot proliferation. Adventitious shoots were produced from callus when it was transferred to MS medium supplemented with N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The synergistic incorporation of 3 µM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in 6 µM BAP containing medium-induced plantlets with well-developed roots and shoots. However, the best rooting responses were observed in shoots placed on paper bridge in liquid MS medium supplemented with 3 µM IAA + 6 µM BAP. The plantlets were successfully acclimatized in ex vitro conditions with 70% survival rate. Additionally, root extract of in vitro-raised plants showed antioxidant activity closer to wild plants. The study thus signifies the effectiveness of in vitro technique for A. ferox propagation and provides a method for sustainable utilization of this high-value medicinal plant at commercial scale in pharmaceutical industries.