Podophyllotoxin content in rhizome and root samples of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle populations from Indian Himalayan region

Abstract

The podophyllotoxin content in rhizome and root samples of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (with leaf morphological variants, that is, 1, 2 and 3L), an endangered perennial herb and a source of highly valued aryltetralin lignan, collected from 17 different populations (2800 to 3600 m asl) spread across Uttarakhand State of Indian Central Himalaya were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In general, podophyllotoxin content (on percent dry weight) of both rhizomes and roots varied significantly (p < 0.05) between the morphological variants. The podophyllotoxin content of rhizomes ranged from 0.012 to 5.480%; maximum and minimum levels were recorded in 2L (Kedarnath population) and 3L variants (Ghangria population), respectively. The mean podophyllotoxin content (population-wise) varied significantly (p < 0.05) between different populations; in general, a positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between podophyllotoxin content and increase in altitude; population-wise maximum (2.053%) and minimum (0.045%) levels were recorded in Kedarnath and Dayara-1 populations, respectively. The levels in root samples ranged from 0.021 to 5.800%, similar to those in the rhizomes. While maximum amount (5.800%) was estimated in 2L plants from Kedarnath population, minimum (0.021%) level was found in 2L plants from Ghangria population. The mean podophyllotoxin content across morphological variants (population-wise) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Kedarnath population (maximum: 2.090%); a positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the podophyllotoxin content and increase in altitude. Amongst all the morphological variants analyzed from different areas, 2L plants of Kedarnath population (highest altitude; 3600 m) exhibited maximum podophyllotoxin content, both in the rhizomes and roots. The observed chemo-diversity amongst morphological variants (leaf number) and populations could be used for selecting elites for multiplication and commercial and/or conservation purposes.

Methyl jasmonate treatment increases podophyllotoxin production in Podophyllum hexandrum roots under glasshouse conditions

“…In our study, the podophyllotoxin production was increased from 1.4 to 1.7% (d.w.). These percentages are also observed for P. hexandrum in the natural habitat (Purohit et al 1999;Kitchlu et al 2011;Sharma et al 2012;Liu et al 2015;Pandey et al 2015). Our study describes the ability to improve the root formation and the podophyllotoxin production in isogenic P. hexandrum cultivated in a glasshouse in the Netherlands.…”

“…However, no research was done on increasing root formation of mature plants or increasing podophyllotoxin production in vivo. Several researchers reported that the plant morphology and the geographic location, especially the altitude, are important factors for podophyllotoxin production (Purohit et al 1999;Kitchlu et al 2011;Paul et al 2013;Pandey et al 2015). Alam and Naik found that high podophyllotoxin production was correlated to low pH, high organic content and high nitrogen levels in the soil (Alam and Naik 2009).…”

“…Other podophyllotoxin producing plants in this genus are Podophyllum sikkimensis and Podophyllum pleianthum (Jackson and Dewick 1985;Paul et al 2013). The highest concentration of podophyllotoxin was found in P. hexandrum roots, which varies between 0.025% and 9.53% (d.w.) depending on the geographic location (Purohit et al 1999;Kitchlu et al 2011;Sharma et al 2012;Liu et al 2015;Pandey et al 2015). Podophyllotoxin production is not restricted to the roots as low amounts of podophyllotoxin (0.003-0.229% d.w.) are also found in P. hexandrum leaves (Pandey et al 2013).…”

Productivity and picroside contents of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. cultivated at multi-locations in Uttarakhand, India

“…The average altitude of all cultivation sites was approximately 2400 m (1950 to 2600 m), but the variations in available picrosides I and II in relation to altitudes, age of crop and cultivation sites do not show any definite trend either in roots/rhizomes or in leaves. Generally, high altitude medicinal plants are known to have important active ingredients in their specific plant's parts, but some studies have confirmed, in addition to routinely used parts, that is, roots or rhizomes, other plants parts such as stem and leaves also contain medicinally important compounds (Bhadula et al, 1996;Singh et al, 2011;Pandey et al, 2013;Attri et al, 2021). The availability of picrosides I and II content in leaves is encouraging, because, after harvesting and primary processing of P. kurroa at village level, farmer discards the leaves.…”