BIOTIC ELICITORS USED TO ENHANCE PLUMBAGIN PRODUCTION IN PLUMBAGO ZEYLANICA AND ASSESMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

Plumbago zeylanica (chitraka) is the most prominent herbal plant which is used as a medication to cure skin problems and infections such as ringworm, dermatitis, sores, acne and scabies. Traditionally all parts of Plumbago zeylanica have been utilized as a medication against many diseases. In Ayurveda chitraka is described as tumour- negating, appetizer, anti-anorexic and pain-reliever due to the presence of several important bioactive compounds such as alkaloid, tannins, phenols and naphthoquinones like plumbagin which is the most active constituent of this herb. Due to extensive use of this plant as a potent medicinal herb, micropropagation is necessary for higher biomass and plumbagin production. Since resistance to antibiotic against several microbes has become a critical issue in the whole world. So, to conquer this difficulty, identification and discovery new herbal drugs are necessary. In the current study, three elicitors namely yeast extract, malt extract and chitosan were used to enhance the plumbagin synthesis in Plumbago zeylanica as well as analysis of its antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Shoot culture of Plumbago zeylanica was performed in MS media which was supplemented with 200µl BAP and 150mg/l elicitors and then incubated for several weeks. Application of three biotic elicitors enhance the plumbagin production significantly. Phytochemical analysis of compound was carried out by UV-visible analysis which exhibited the presence of total phenol and tannin. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of all accession was performed to check their antioxidant potential. Cultures were also analysed for their antibacterial potential against E,coli and S.aureus. Results were expected that application of elicitors in Plumbago zeylanica shoot culture enhance the plumbagin production as well as other bioactive compounds.