Simulated Drought and Salinity Modulates the Production of Phytochemicals in Acalypha wilkesiana

Abstract

In this study, 3-month old Acalypha wilkesiana plants grown from stem cuttings were exposed to simulated drought and salinity separately to assess the effects of such abiotic factors on the phytochemical production level in this plant. Preliminary study, based on the qualitative analysis, showed the presence of alkaloids, cardial glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins in A. wilkesiana leaves. Results of the quantitative analysis showed that plants under drought and salinity stresses produce lower quantity of alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins while saponin production was increased.

Assessment of Environmental Fluctuations in Phytochemical Constituents of Some Xerophytes Inhabiting Wadi Sudr and Their Antimicrobial Bioactivity

“…The accumulation of saponins could be related to its protective role against oxidative stress (Kim et al, 2012 andSzakiel et al, 2009). Our results were in line with De Costa et al (2013) and Odjegba & Alokolaro (2013) on Quillaja brasiliensis and Acalypha wilkesiana, respectively. Moreover, the combined influence of agro-climatic conditions was shown to affect the quantity of saponins (Szakiel et al, 2011 andMoses et al, 2014).…”

<i>Moringa oleifera</i> “The Mother’s Best Friend”

“…Since the chemical content of plants are affected by the type of soil or climatical condition they grow [31], it would be expected that there will be variation in the chemical composition reported by different researchers. Also the method adopted for analysis and the state of the leaves i.e.…”

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“…This result agrees with the work of [28] that bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites, which are affected by both environmental and plant nutrition factors. The production and activity of bioactive compounds are influenced by genetics and the environmental factors surrounding the habitat [ 7,8 ]. Different agro-climatic conditions have been reported to have effects on the alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, total phenolic contents and antioxidant potential of Aloe Vera plant [5 ].…”

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