Medicinal Climber Research Articles

Physico-chemical evaluation and phytochemical analysis of different leaf extracts of Calycopteris floribunda Lam. a multipotent medicinal climber by GC–MS

Physico-chemical evaluation and phytochemical analysis of different leaf extracts of Calycopteris floribunda Lam. a multipotent medicinal climber by GC–MS

Direct regeneration from leaf explants and genetic fidelity analysis of regenerates through ISSR markers in Kedrostis foetidissima: a medicinal climber

Direct regeneration from leaf explants and genetic fidelity analysis of regenerates through ISSR markers in Kedrostis foetidissima: a medicinal climber

Endemic and endangered ethno-herbal medicinal climber of Darjeeling hills (Edgaria darjeelingensis C.B. Clarke) is a treasure of anti-cancer molecules: A study on GC-MS analysis and probable biosynthetic pathways

Endemic and endangered ethno-herbal medicinal climber of Darjeeling hills (Edgaria darjeelingensis C.B. Clarke) is a treasure of anti-cancer molecules: A study on GC-MS analysis and probable biosynthetic pathways

In vitro micro-morphometric growth modulations induced by N6 cytokinins (Meta-Topolin and 6-benzylaminopurine) in Ceropegia juncea Roxb. – A rare medicinal climber

In vitro micro-morphometric growth modulations induced by N6 cytokinins (Meta-Topolin and 6-benzylaminopurine) in Ceropegia juncea Roxb. – A rare medicinal climber

Indirect Organogenesis from in vitro Derived Leaf and Internodes of Coccinia cordifolia (L.) Cogn. - An Important Medicinal Climber

An efficient in vitro regeneration protocol was developed via callus from the explants of leaf and internode of Coccinia cordifolia (L.) Cogn., an important medicinal climber. Among the different combinations of auxins and cytokines used, BAP with NAA were found highly effective for induction of callus from in vitro derived leaf disc and internode explants. Maximum callus formation rates were recorded on MS with 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l NAA for both leaf disc and internode explants. The best organogenesis via callus was obtained on MS with 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. The highest numbers of shoots regenerated per culture were 6.5 ± 0.10 and 5.6 ± 0.55 for leaf disc and internode explants respectively and leaf discs was found to be better for indirect organogenesis. For root induction, half strength of MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l IBA was found to be the most effective. The mean number of roots regenerated per shoot was 6.8 ± 0.10 with an average root length of 2.8 ± 0.20 cm. In vitro derived plantlets were acclimatized successfully. This protocol for in vitro regeneration can be utilized for the improvement of this climber through biotechnological methods. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 32(2): 127-136, 2022 (December)

Phtochemical studies of ethnobotanically significant plant, Trichosanthes cucumerina from the tribal region of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand

In the present investigation phytochemical studies of Trichosanthis cucumerina has been done. It is on important medicinal climber which is used for the treatment of diabetes in the tribal regions of Dhanbad district. Besides diabetes, the plant is very much used by the tribal people for the treatment of syphilis, Liver ailments, Asthama, Leucorrea. Perusal of the data of Table-1, It is clear that out of by amino acids only nine couldbe detected from the plant under study. They were Lysine, L. itistidine, L. glutamine, DL. Threonine, Glycine, L-valine, DL. Trophloghan. In the above list it is clear that at least 6 essential amino acid are present. They were L-argentine, lysine, L-valine, DL-trophlophan, L. Hiistidine and DL-Threonine. 6 are present in this plant and rests 3 are non-essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids have curative effect on diseased persons. Perhaps due to presence of these non-essential amino acids this plant is ethnobotanically important.

In vitro regeneration from nodal explants of Kedrostis foetidissima - A medicinal climber

Kedrostis foetidissima is an important medicinal climber belonging to the family cucurbitaceae. It is widely used in folklore and traditional systems of medicine for various disorders like seborrheic dermatitis, measles, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and asthma. The availability of plant decreased in its natural habitats due to high medicinal value and over usage. To enhance plant multiplication of this plant an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol was established using nodal explants through direct regeneration. MS medium amended with BAP, TDZ (0.5-2.5 mg/l) alone and together with IAA/NAA (0.2-1.0 mg/l) were used. Of these BAP (2.0 mg/l) induced the highest percentage response (73%) with 17.2 ± 0.24 mean number of shoots per explant after the first subculture. The shootlets were rooted on half strength MS medium augmented with IBA (1.0 mg/l) with an average of 16.3 ± 0.47 roots per shoot and mean root length (cm) is 1.31±0.07 after four weeks of culture. The regenerated plantlets were hardened in polycups, then acclimatized in greenhouse and transferred to the field with 68% survival rate.

Propagation of threatened climber species Entada rheedii Spreng. – a medicinal plant with extremely thick and hard seed coat

The study explored propagation techniques of Entada rheedii Spreng., a threatened medicinal climber species with extremely hard seed coat. Propagation trials included both pre-sowing treatments of seeds for germination and clonal propagation by stem cutting. Pre-sowing treatments included (a) soaking of both cut (notched) and uncut (intact) seeds in water for 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h and (b) immersion of intact seeds in 5% acetone solution for 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min before sowing in germination media in polybags. On the other hand, stem cutting involved treating the summer or autumn cuttings with 0%, 0.4%, and 0.8% IBA solution before rooting in non-mist propagator. Notched seeds soaked in water for 48 h showed the fastest seed germination with the highest germination percentages (73.3) and better seedling growth in terms of plant height, collar diameter, leaf number and total dry mass followed by notched seeds soaked in water for 72 h. The slowest germination and the lowest germination percentage (3.3), as well as the poorest growth performance was for intact seeds without any treatment. The highest rooting percent­age with maximum number of roots (36.6) was obtained from the summer cuttings treated with 0.4% IBA solution followed by autumn cuttings with 0.8% IBA and the lowest (43.3% and 8.3 roots) was for summer cuttings in control. The factors also dictated the survival and growth performance of rooted cuttings in the nursery conditions. The outcomes of these trials i.e., notched seeds soaking in water for 48 h will help to enhance the propagation of this valuable medicinal plant species.

In vitro synthesis of berberine, a pharmacologically important isoquinoline alkaloid in callus cultures of Tinospora cordifolia

Callus cultures were raised from young green leaf segments of the medicinal climber Tinospora cordifolia in Murashige and Skoog’s media containing different growth regulator regime. The in vitro callus cultures were analysed for the accumulation of active principle through high-performance liquid chromatography. Quantitative analysis of berberine was achieved by thin-layer chromatography and UV-absorbance method. Callus cultures accumulated an appreciable amount of berberine. A maximum of 355 μg/g dry wt accumulation of berberine was noted when the callus was grown in the presence of 2 mg/l 2, 4-D and 0.1 mg/l BA. However, maximum callus growth was achieved in the presence of 0.5 mg/l BA and 2 mg/l 2,4-D. Maximum tissue growth didn't favour an increased accumulation of the berberine. Enhanced accumulation of berberine was found when callus growth was less and therefore may be associated with the stress faced by in vitro tissues. The experimental results indicate that it is desirable to adopt two different growth regulator regime - one for accelerated callus growth and another for enhanced in vitro synthesis of berberine. The in vitro cultures of T. cordfiolia also offers an ideal system for understanding the studies on elucidating alternate routes of berberine biosynthetic pathway as well as possible elite cells for scaling up of berberine.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activities and optimized extraction of embelin from different genotypes of Embelia ribes Burm f.: a woody medicinal climber from Western Ghats of India.

Medicinal importance of Embelia ribes Burm f. is known since ancient time. Its berries are the main ingredient in Vidanga' or 'Baibidanga'-a component of ayurvedic formulations and possess medicinal properties such as antihelmintic, anticancer, neuroprotective and antidiabetic. Studies were conducted on phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, extraction efficiency of embelin from ten genotypes. Methanolic extract of berries from Nagavelli accession exhibited the highest total phenolic content (18.18 ± 0.14mg GAE/g DW); whereas, ethanolic extract showed highest total flavonoid content (8.35 ± 0.20mg RE/g DW). The antioxidant activities (AOA) were assessed and noted that ethanolic and methanolic extracts of berries from Nagavelli (NAG) accession revealed highest activities in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity (67.48 ± 0.17%) and FRAP (66.73 ± 0.60mg Fe(II)/g DW), respectively. In AOA analysis, berries extracted with different solvents were positively correlated with TPC. Principal component analysis revealed TPC and TFC were the most influencing components for strong antioxidant activities in E. ribes. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to quantify embelin content and its optimize extraction using various methods. In the preliminary studies, berries from NAG accession revealed highest (1.770%) embelin content. Further, berries from NAG accession were subjected to various extraction methods and found three fold increase (5.08%) in embelin content in microwave assisted extraction (90s). Present study suggested that NAG accession found to be a promising source of natural antioxidants and embelin that can be used in pharmaceutical industries.

In vitro high frequency multiplication and assessment of genetic fidelity of Corallocarpus epigaeus: an endangered medicinal plant

Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottler) Hook.f. is an endangered tuberous medicinal climber of family Cucurbitaceae. Despite high medicinal value, over-exploitation made it threatened. In vitro propagation has been adopted for conserving this endangered medicinal plant. Direct shoots induction was achieved from nodal explants on MS medium fortified with various concentrations of BAP and TDZ individually and BAP + IAA, TDZ + IAA, BAP + l-glutamic acid and TDZ + l-glutamic acid combinations. The highest frequency of multiple shoots (43.33 ± 0.53) was achieved on MS medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l TDZ + 1.5 mg/l IAA from nodal explants but shoot length (12.9 ± 0.15 cm) was high on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l TDZ and 2.0 mg/l l-Glutamic acid. The highest percentage (78%) of rooting was achieved on half strength MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg/l IBA with a mean number of roots 10.76 ± 0.30 cm, an average root length is 1.69 ± 0.07 cm. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized in the greenhouse and successfully transplanted to natural conditions with a 68% survival rate. ISSR markers were used to check the genetic fidelity between in vivo and in vitro developed plantlets. The results indicated that the micropropagated plants are monomorphic and true type when compare with mother plant.

Interactions of a medicinal climber Tinospora cordifolia with supportive interspecific plants trigger the modulation in its secondary metabolic profiles

Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is scientifically proven immunomodulatory drug being used for centuries. Ancient literature reported that inter-specific interactions change medicinal properties of TC. Thus, the current study is aimed to understand the influence of interspecific biotic interactions on chemo-profiles of TC. To explore it, TC samples collected from six co-occurring plants, i.e. Azarditchita indica, Acacia nilotica, Albezia lebbeck, Ficus benghalensis, Tamarandus indica and Acacia leucophloea were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Mass data were subjected to multivariate analysis. Support vector machines (SVMs) was found to be best classifier (r2 < 0.93). Data analysis showed the specific compounds in all TC due to inter-specific interactions. Data were further analyzed with SNK post-hoc test followed by permutative (n = 50) Bonferroni FDR multiple testing correction. The compound without any missing values reduced the number of variables to 133 (p < 0.01). Statistical analysis revealed that TC having interactions with A.lebbeck and A. nilotica formed the most distant groups. However, TC co-occurred with A. indica showed the highest number of up-regulated metabolites, including jatrorrhizine, chrysin, peonidin, 6-methylcoumarin and some terpenoids. Some metabolites, including jatrorrhizine and magnoflorine were quantified to confirm the accuracy of qualitative analysis. Results demonstrated the influence of inter-specific biotic interactions on TC chemo-profiles, hence its medicinal properties.

Ultrastructural and histochemical analysis of the trichomes of Cyclea peltata (Menispermaceae)

Cyclea peltata is a medicinal climber belonging to the family Menispermaceae. The global distribution of this species is recorded from the tropical Asia regions. Trichome phenology studies of C. peltata utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), light microscopy and fluorescent microscopy demonstrated the structural and organizational heterogeneity of trichomes. All the trichomes observed were non-glandular. C. peltata possessed three types of non-glandular trichomes such as long trichomes, short trichomes and ribbon-like trichomes. Of these, ribbon-like trichomes are limited to the surface of the leaves. The majority of the trichomes observed were unicellular, long and hook-shaped. Auto fluorescence analysis revealed a large amount of cell wall materials on the basal cell. Additional morphological features of the trichomes included the occurrence of grooves and deposition of epicuticular wax. The trichome morphology of C. peltata explains the possible influence of environmental cues.

Seed germination and storage studies in Decalepis hamiltonii Wight and Arn.: A threatened medicinal plant

Decalepis hamitonii Wight and Arn. is an important RET medicinal climber which is over exploited from its natural habitat for its high valued roots. The roots are extensively used in folk and Ayurvedic medicines mainly as blood purifier and hepatoprotective compound due to the presence of 2-hydroxyl-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (HMB). The work on propagation and storage of seeds in this plant species is meagre for extending the cultivation and conservation. Therefore, the present study was taken up. The two factorial experiment was conducted on the effect of media (top paper, between paper and cocopeat) and temperature (20/30°C, 20°C, 30°C) on seed germination. Results revealed that the seeds placed at 20/30°C, tested on between paper method has recorded maximum germination percentage (96.00%), root length (6.48 cm) and seedling vigour index (955.77). Whereas, shoot length (10.40 cm), seedling length (16.14 cm), fresh (91.16 mg) and dry weight (8.76 mg) of seedling was maximum in the seeds placed at 30°C temperature sown in cocopeat. No germination was recorded when the seeds were placed at 20°C temperature sown in cocopeat. In an another experiment comprising of three factorial storage study on effect of moisture content (8% and 6%), packaging material (aluminium pouch, polythene cover and butter paper cover) and storage temperature (ambient temperature and 15°C) revealed that the seeds having 8% moisture packed in polythene cover and stored at 15°C recorded maximum shoot length, seedling length and seedling vigour index I of 7.57 cm, 14.70 cm and 1373, respectively. Shoot was not grown and minimum seedling length and seedling vigour index I of 3.60 cm and 172, respectively was recorded in the seeds having 6 per cent moisture, packed in butter paper bag and stored at 15°C up to 90 days of storage. Therefore, seeds kept for germination on between paper and placed at 20/30°C recorded germination. Whereas, seeds having 8% moisture, stored at 15°C packed with polythene and aluminium pouch was found better for maintaining viability and vigour up to 90 days of storage.

Genetic diversity analysis in underutilized medicinal climber Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. germplasm revealed by inter simple sequence repeats markers

Velvet bean is an important medicinal legume, its seeds are prominent source of L-Dopa. The present investigation on genetic diversity assessment of 58 germplasm of velvet bean by using 11 ISSR markers. Out of 63 amplified products 59 were showed polymorphism and 4 were monomorphic with an average of 5.7 bands amplified per primer. According to band statistics and efficiency parameters showed the primers UBC 827, UBC 834 and UBC 836 were more efficient. The highest genetic similarity values (0.90) were observed between IIHR MP 102 and IIHR MP 74-3. In dendrogram germplasm grouped into two major clusters at 63 per cent similarity. Among the germplasm, IIHR Selection 4, IIHR Selection 10, IIHR MP 9, IC 33243 and IIHR MP 7 were found to be distinctly divergent, can be used in the further breeding programme.

An improvised shoot amplification and ex vitro rooting method for offsite propagation of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: a multi-valued medicinal climber

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, is an important medicinal climber of family Menispermaceae. This plant is principally known for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic system of medicines. Poor seed setting coupled with low seed germination limit its natural propagation through seeds. This paper reports an improvised micropropagation system of T. cordifolia using nodal explants. The maximum numbers of axillary shoots (3.8 ± 0.63) were differentiated on MS medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2.0 mg l−1). The numbers of shoots were further amplified using repetitive transfer of original explants and through subculturing techniques. The greatest numbers of shoots (15.3 ± 1.05) of an average length (5.5 ± 0.84 cm) were achieved on 0.8% agar-gelled Modified MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 each of BAP and kinetin, and IAA (0.1 mg l−1) in screw-cap culture bottles, within 5–6 weeks. In rooting experiments, we developed a concurrent ex vitro rooting and acclimatization (CEVRA) method for the first time in T. cordifolia. About 87.6% of the micropropagated shoots rooted ex vitro on pulse-treatment with indole-3-butyric acid (200 mg l−1) for 3 min. More than 80% of the concurrently ex vitro rooted and acclimatized plantlets were successfully hardened in a greenhouse and transplanted to the soil. The discussed micropropagation system can be used for the large-scale offsite propagation of this medicinally important perennial climber, T. cordifolia.

Pharmacognostic Assesment of the Endemic and Vulnerable Medicinal Climber-Cayratia pedata (Lam.) Gagnep. var. glabra Gamble and Its Antibacterial Activity.

Objective:The objective of this study is to evaluate a meticulous pharmacognostic cram is to supplement constructive information with regard to its identification, characterization, and standardization of endemic and endangered medicinal climber Cayratia pedata var. glabra and also screening the antibacterial activity of this climber.Materials and Methods:The morphological characters of study plant, microscopic examination of leaf powder, anatomy of young stem, physicochemical analysis of plant powder, extractive values, phytochemical analysis, powder with different chemical reagents, fluorescence analysis of plant powder, and other World Health Organization (WHO) recommended for standardization were analyzed. The antibacterial activity of this study plant is also analyzed.Results:C. pedata var. glabra belongs to the family Vitaceae, commonly known as “Kattuppirandai” is one such endemic and endangered species in Thaisholai, Nilgiris South Division, Western Ghats. With the patronage of veteran ethnic group traditional knowledge of this region, the species C. pedata var. glabra was selected for the pharmacognostical examination and antibacterial screening. There were no pharmacognostical reports of this plant, specifically to determine the anatomical and other physicochemical standards required for its quality control. The current study deals with pharmacognostical parameters for the aerial parts of study plant, which mainly consists of macromorphological and microanatomical characters, physicochemical constants (ash values and extractive values), fluorescence analysis, and phytochemical screening, one of the WHO accepted parameter for the identification of medicinal plants. The pharmacognostical exploration was undertaken for this species with the purpose of sketch the pharmacopeial standards. The antibacterial activity of this plant confirms the therapeutic power.Conclusion:The information obtained from pharmacognostical studies will be of used for supplementary pharmacological and therapeutical evaluation of the species and will assist in standardization for quality, purity, and authentication with the help, of which adulteration and substitution can be prevented. The antibacterial activity of this plant confirm the traditional knowledge of local healers on the wound healing property of this species and also suggest this plant species can be used as a promising source for the development of new pharmaceuticals that address the therapeutic needs to cure infectious diseases.SUMMARY The species C. pedata var. glabra was selected for present research work, since this species is listed in Red data book and has a wider use for different ailments among the tribal population of Thiashola due to its high medicinal value. Pharmacognostical profile was generated from macroscopical analysis, microscopical studies, powder analysis, physico-chemical constituent values, fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical evaluation. The antibacterial activity of this plant confirms the therapeutic power. Abbreviations Used: WHO: World Health Organization; IUCN: International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Interrelationship and Association of Characters in Juvenile Plants of Embelia ribes Burm.

Embelia ribes Burm. Myrsinaceae is a medicinal woody climber. This species is reported to be vulnerable in the Western Ghats of penninsular India. Natural regeneration of E. ribes is poor due to over exploitation, fragmented populations, development of abortive embryos and slow germination of fertile seeds. The present study is an attempt to analyse the interrelationship and association of morphological and biophysical characters in juvenile plants of Embelia ribes Burm. Ten growth characters and six biophysical characters were studied for the purpose in the case of a juvenile seedling population. Correlation analysis revealed the interrelationship of characters. Factor analysis has shown that the 16 characters under study can be grouped in to three factors. Relative water content in leaves showed the highest factor loading in factor 1followed by total chlorophyll content. In factor 2, number of leaves per tertiary branch showed the highest factor loading.

TLC and HPTLC Fingerprints of Various Secondary Metabolites in the Stem of the Traditional Medicinal Climber, Solena amplexicaulis.

Aim of this study was to develop a TLC and a HPTLC fingerprint profiles for various secondary metabolites of methanol extracts of the stem of the traditional medicinal climber, Solena amplexicaulis. These studies were carried out as per the methods of Harborne and Wagner et al. The profiles of various individual secondary metabolites were made and developed for authentication. The methanol extract of the stem showed the presence of 6 alkaloids, 6 flavonoids, 2 glycosides, 9 saponins and 3 terpenoids. Owing to the presence of rich variety of secondary metabolites, the stem extract of S. amplexicaulis is expected to exhibit therapeutic properties.

Phytochemical Profiling of Leaf, Stem, and Tuber Parts of Solena amplexicaulis (Lam.) Gandhi Using GC-MS.

Objective. To explore the possible bioactive compounds in the methanolic extracts of leaf, stem, and tuber parts of the medicinal climber, Solena amplexicaulis, using GC-MS. Methods. GC-MS analysis of the plant extracts were performed by using GC-MS-5975C [Agilent] and mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the data in the library of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Results. Thirty-five compounds were determined to be present in the parts studied. The active principles with their retention time, molecular formula, molecular weight, peak area, structure, category of the compounds, and activities were predicted. The most prevailing compounds were phytol (38.24%) in leaf, 4-(4-ethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one (56.90%) in stem, and 9,17-octadecadienal, (Z)- (21.77%) in tuber. Conclusion. This study revealed that the species S. amplexicaulis is a good source of many bioactive compounds like terpenes, triazines, esters, alkanes, alcohols, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, amides, and so forth. That justifies the traditional usage of this species.