Rapid in vitro propagation system through shoot tip cultures of Vitex trifolia L.–an important multipurpose plant of the Pacific traditional Medicine

Abstract

A rapid and efficient plant propagation system through shoot tip explants was established in Vitex trifolia L., a medicinally important plant belonging to the family Verbenaceae. Multiple shoots were induced directly on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium consisting of different cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP), BA at an optimal concentration of 5.0 μM was most effective in inducing multiple shoots where 90 % explants responded with an average shoot number (4.4 ±0.1) and shoot length (2.0±0.1 cm) after 6 weeks of culture. Inclusion of NAA in the culture medium along with the optimum concentration of BA promoted a higher rate of shoot multiplication and length of the shoot, where 19.2±0.3 well-grown healthy shoots with an average shoot length of 4.4±0.1 cm were obtained on completion of 12 weeks culture period. Ex vitro rooting was achieved best directly in soilrite when basal portion of the shoots were treated with 500 μM indole-3-butyric acid for 15 min which was the most effective in inducing roots, as 95 % of the microshoots produced roots. Plantlets went through a hardening phase in a controlled plant growth chamber, prior to ex-vitro transfer. Micropropagated plants grew well, attained maturity and flowered with 92 % survival rate. The results of this study provide the first report on in vitro plant regeneration of Vitex trifolia L. using shoot tip explants.

Solving the puzzle: what is behind our forefathers’ anti-inflammatory remedies?

“…Both polyphenols, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes are active compounds of oregano for which an anti-inflammatory mechanism model based on the amelioration of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and ROS) and mitochondrial and COX activity produced by LPS-activated MPHs through TLR4 has been proposed [ 12 ]. Australia Vitex trifolia L. (simpleleave chastetree, Labiatae) is a tropical shrub or tree (up to 5 m tall) that grows mainly in the coastal areas and is widely employed by Pacific islanders to cure numerous illnesses [ 85 ]. The leaves are used in maceration or decoction, both internally and externally, as a remedy to cure illnesses and especially to abrogate diseases that may involve inflammatory processes [ 18 ].…”

“…The leaves are used in maceration or decoction, both internally and externally, as a remedy to cure illnesses and especially to abrogate diseases that may involve inflammatory processes [ 18 ]. For example, it can be heated and rubbed on the forehead to treat headaches, and it can be applied topically as an infusion to relieve fever or alleviate pain derived from rheumatism and sprained joints [ 85 , 86 ]. The traditional aqueous decoction of V. trifolia leaves (after lyophilization, 1 mg/mL) has shown the ability to decrease the expression of numerous inflammatory mediators (e.g.…”

“…Vitex trifolia L. (simpleleave chastetree, Labiatae) is a tropical shrub or tree (up to 5 m tall) that grows mainly in the coastal areas and is widely employed by Pacific islanders to cure numerous illnesses [ 85 ]. The leaves are used in maceration or decoction, both internally and externally, as a remedy to cure illnesses and especially to abrogate diseases that may involve inflammatory processes [ 18 ].…”

Biotechnological advances in Vitex species, and future perspectives

“…trifolia RTW → Bavistin® + Tween-20 10–15 min → 70% EtOH 1 min → 0.1% HgCl 2 4 min → SDDW[15] V . trifolia 5–7 cm long young shoots → RTW 20 min → 5% Laboline® 5 min → DW 3–4 × → 0.1% HgCl 2 4 min → SDW repeatedly[10], [11], [12], [13] V . trifolia Shoot tips → RTW 10 min → 5% Tween-20 15 min → DW → 0.5% NaOCl 5 min → DDW → 0.01% HgCl 2 10 min → 0.1% HgCl 2 5 min → Bavistin® 30 min → DDW 1×[64] V .…”

“…25 ± 2 °C. 60–65% RH.94% of explants formed shoots (19.2 per shoot tip) after 12 w. No rooting in vitro ; shoot (4–5 cm long) base treated with 500 μM IBA for 10 min then planted directly in vermiculite and garden soil (1:1): 95% survival and 7 roots/shoot after 4 w.[11] V. trifolia Nodal segment derived from 2 month old in vitro raised shoots Same as [10]Encapsulation: 3% sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride. Germination: MS + 5 μM BA + 0.5 μM NAA.…”