Metabolic shift from secondary metabolite production to induction of anti-oxidative enzymes during NaCl stress in Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham.

Abstract

Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham. is an endangered medicinal plant having high medicinal value. Present study was envisaged to understand in vitro induction of marker secondary metabolites using NaCl elicitation. 50 and 100 mM of NaCl concentrations were applied on 1-month-old static culture shoots. Plants were assessed for cellular damage, anti-oxidative enzymatic system and production of secondary metabolites. There was significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in secondary metabolites at 50 mM NaCl without any cellular damage or induction of anti-oxidative enzymes. Initial increase in metabolic content of secondary metabolites was observed during 100 mM NaCl treatment, which falls back to normal levels at the seventh day. There was concurrent induction of scavenging enzymes during this period. Results suggest channelling of different defence strategies in response to differential NaCl treatment. Biochemical relationship between induction of anti-oxidative enzymes and production of secondary metabolites has further been discussed in light of physiological requirements.