L-Dopa production and antioxidant activity in Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell regeneration.

Abstract

Hybanthus enneaspermus is an ethanobotanical plant extensively used in Indian traditional medicine. Quick and efficient in vitro mass propagation of this plant species was established for commercial utilization from leaf and node explants using various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators and polyamines. The maximum number of multiple shoots per leaf explant (40 shoots) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 20mg/l spermidine in combination with 4mg/l BA+1.5mg/l IAA after 8weeks of culture. The elongated shoots were rooted (16 roots/shoot) on MS medium with the best concentration of IBA (1.5mg/l) and in combination with 20mg/l putrescine after 5weeks of culture. The plants were successfully acclimatized (98%) in the sand: soil: vermiculite mixture (1:1:1 v/v/v) in the greenhouse. An increased antioxidant activity was recorded in vitroregenerated shoots when compared to in vitro-induced roots. L-Dopa content was recorded higher in leaves (8.31mg/g DW) followed by stem (6.22mg/g DW) and root (3.22mg/g DW) of leaf-derived plants than the field-grown parent plant after 5weeks. By adopting this protocol, the regenerated-plants could be used for drug production and pharmacology work with as an alternative to field-grown plants.