Plant-derived tetranortriterpenoid, methyl angolensate activates apoptosis and prevents ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced tumorigenesis in mice

Background: Cancer is a leading health problem throughout the world. For decades, natural plant products have been playing promising roles as anticancer agents. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the chemotherapeutic potential of Methyl Angolensate (MA), purified from Soymida febrifuga in mice bearing carcinoma and examines the molecular basis for its anticancer actions. Study Design: The inhibitory effects of MA treatment on the survival of mice bearing Carcinoma and adverse side effects of MA treatment in mice were analyzed. Methods: Tumor volume, life span, histopathology, Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, estimation of liver enzyme, alkaline phosphatase and metabolites, creatinine and urea. Results: Oral administration of MA in mice with Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma showed significant inhibition of tumor growth compared to untreated mice. We observed a significant increase in the life span (∼4-fold) of tumor bearing animals following treatment with MA. MA affected tumor cell proliferation by activating intrinsic pathway of apoptosis without imparting any side effect on normal cells. MA treatment in mice showed no major side effects. Conclusion: MA treatment showed significant inhibition of tumor growth by inducing apoptosis as well increased life span of mice, with no adverse side effects to normal cells. Altogether, the present in vivo study provides new insights of MA serving as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent

Phenotypic aberrations during micropropagation of <i>Soymida febrifuga</i> (Roxb.) Adr. Juss

Like most of the medicinal plants Soymida febrifuga (Meliaceae) possess significance for its valuable secondary metabolites. Multiplication of this endemic plant is limited by difficulty in rooting of stem cuttings, high seedling mortality rates and low seed viability period. Hence efficient protocols for in vitro mass propagation has been established from field grown and aseptic seedlings explants. Strikingly, we observed aberrant structures such as vitrified shoots, faciated shoots, albino shoots as well shoot necrosis during its micropropagation. These phenotypic maladies were observed during organogenesis and rooting. Compared to other abnormalities, shoot necrosis nonetheless was frequent and pronounced leading to plant death. Shoots when subjected to rooting also displayed necrosis which was controlled by transferring to MS medium containing various concentrations and combinations of calcium levels, activated charcoal, glucose, fructose and auxins. Microshoots initiated roots on half strength MS medium with IBA and IAA individually or in combination within two weeks. MS half strength solid medium supplemented with CAN (556 mg l–1), CAP (1.0 mg l–1), IAA (2.0 mg l–1) and IBA (2.0 mg l–1) in combination was found to be more efficient in showing high frequency (95%) of root regeneration. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and 70-85% of regenerated plants were successfully acclimatized to natural environment. In vitro derived plantlets were morphologically similar to in vivo plants

Utilization of Aseptic Seedling Explants for <i>In vitro</i> Propagation of Indian Red Wood

Micropropagation has been advocated as one of the most viable biotechnological tool for ex situ conservation of rare, endangered endemic medicinal plants germplasm. Rapid clonal micropropagation protocol for large-scale multiplication of an endemic medicinal plant Soymida febrifuga (Meliaceae) was established from 15-day aseptic seedling cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants. High frequency of sprouting and shoot differentiation was observed from cotyledonary node explants compared to shoot tip, on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with BA, KN, 2-iP and CM. Of the cytokinins used, BA (3.0 mgl-1) supported highest average number and maximum multiple shoot differentiation (16.6). In vitro proliferated shoots were multiplied rapidly by culturing nodal segments as microcuttings, further subcultured on the same media for elongation. Elongated shoots upon transfer to MS medium fortified with IBA showed rooting within two weeks of culture. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and 75% of rooted shoots successfully survived on establishment to the soil. Plants looked healthy with no visually detectable phenotypic variations. This protocol provides a successful and rapid technique that can be used for ex situ conservation minimizing the pressure on wild populations and contributes to the conservation of this endemic medicinally potent flora

Phenotypic aberrations during micropropagation of <i>Soymida febrifuga</i> (Roxb.) Adr. Juss

Like most of the medicinal plants <i>Soymida febrifuga</i> (Meliaceae) possess significance for its valuable secondary metabolites. Multiplication of this endemic plant is limited by difficulty in rooting of stem cuttings, high seedling mortality rates and low seed viability period. Hence efficient protocols for <i>in vitro</i> mass propagation has been established from field grown and aseptic seedlings explants. Strikingly, we observed aberrant structures such as vitrified shoots, faciated shoots, albino shoots as well shoot necrosis during its micropropagation. These phenotypic maladies were observed during organogenesis and rooting. Compared to other abnormalities, shoot necrosis nonetheless was frequent and pronounced leading to plant death. Shoots when subjected to rooting also displayed necrosis which was controlled by transferring to MS medium containing various concentrations and combinations of calcium levels, activated charcoal, glucose, fructose and auxins. Microshoots initiated roots on half strength MS medium with IBA and IAA individually or in combination within two weeks. MS half strength solid medium supplemented with CAN (556 mg l^–1), CAP (1.0 mg l^–1), IAA (2.0 mg l^–1) and IBA (2.0 mg l^–1) in combination was found to be more efficient in showing high frequency (95%) of root regeneration. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and 70-85% of regenerated plants were successfully acclimatized to natural environment. <i>In vitro</i> derived plantlets were morphologically similar to <i>in vivo</i> plants

Utilization of Aseptic Seedling Explants for <i>In vitro</i> Propagation of Indian Red Wood

Micropropagation has been advocated as one of the most viable biotechnological tool for ex situ conservation of rare, endangered endemic medicinal plants germplasm. Rapid clonal micropropagation protocol for large-scale multiplication of an endemic medicinal plant <i>Soymida febrifuga</i> (Meliaceae) was established from 15-day aseptic seedling cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants. High frequency of sprouting and shoot differentiation was observed from cotyledonary node explants compared to shoot tip, on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with BA, KN, 2-iP and CM. Of the cytokinins used, BA (3.0 mgl-1) supported highest average number and maximum multiple shoot differentiation (16.6). <i>In vitro</i> proliferated shoots were multiplied rapidly by culturing nodal segments as microcuttings, further subcultured on the same media for elongation. Elongated shoots upon transfer to MS medium fortified with IBA showed rooting within two weeks of culture. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and 75% of rooted shoots successfully survived on establishment to the soil. Plants looked healthy with no visually detectable phenotypic variations. This protocol provides a successful and rapid technique that can be used for ex situ conservation minimizing the pressure on wild populations and contributes to the conservation of this endemic medicinally potent flora

A recent review on phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum (Polygonum minus Huds.)

Medicinal plants and herbal preparations are gaining renowned interest in scientific communities nowadays due to their reliable pharmacological actions and affordability to common people which makes them effective in control of various diseases. Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) locally known as kesum is an aromatic plant commonly used in Malay delicacies. The plant is having potential applications due to its high volatile oil constituents in perfumes and powerful antioxidant activity. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments including dandruff. The research has been carried out by various researchers using different in vitro and in vivo models for biological evaluations to support these claims. This review paper may help upcoming research activities on Polygonum minus by giving up to date information on the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum to a possible extent with relevant data