In vitro propagation of spilanthes mauritiana dc., an endangered medicinal herb, through axillary bud cultures
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Date
2002-12
Authors
Okemo, P. O.
Vivanco, Jorge M.
Walker, Travis S.
Green, Julie B.
Harsh, Pal Bas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springerlink
Abstract
Spilanthes mauritiana DC., a monogeneric-endangered herb
belonging to the Compositae family, is a native of Eastern Africa
and is used in the local pharmacoepia to cure infections of the
throat and mouth (Watt and Brayer-Brandwijk, 1962), and as
remedy for stomach ache and diarrhea (Kokwaro, 1976). Kamba
tribes in Kenya chew the flower of S. mauritiana for the relief of
toothache and the treatment of pyorrhea (Watt and Brayer-
Brandwijk, 1962), and an infusion of the herb is used as a febrifuge
(Dalziel, 1937). In the Cameroons the plant is used as a snake-bite
remedy and in the treatment of articular rheumatism (Dalziel,
1937). In India the plant has been used as a remedy for kidney
stones, and bladder and kidney infections (Dragendorff, 1898). In
contrast, the flowering head is reported to produce stupefaction of
fish and to be used as fish poison (Dragendorff, 1898). So far the
only isolated active principle in S. mauritiana is an antiseptic
alkaloid, spilanthol, present at a concentration of as much as 1.25%
in the flowers (Watt and Brayer-Brandwijk, 1962). Spilanthol is
effective against blood parasites at extremely low concentrations,
and indeed is a poison to most invertebrates, while remaining
harmless to the majority of vertebrates (Watt and Brayer-Brandwijk,
1962). Researchers have shown preliminary antimicrobial activity
in the crude extract from roots and flower heads of S. mauritiana
(Fabry et al., 1996, 1998).
One of the essential requirements for the successful application
of plant propagation technology to agriculture is the capacity to
regenerate elite plantlets. During the past decade, the demand for
elite plantlets has undergone a steep rise. To meet this ever-growing
commercial need, the realization of in vitro production of a large
number of clonal plants with improved characteristics has become
necessary. Additionally, clonal propagation of elite plantlets still
remains the only way to conserve endangered plant species. The
accelerating loss of plant species as a result of destruction of their
tropical habitat has yielded a revival of interest in the propagation
of endangered plants (Moncousin, 1991). Given that clonal
propagation also preserves the genetic stability of the progeny,
collections are important ex situ germplasm reservoirs.
In order to study and characterize the bioactive compounds in S.
mauritiana, a constant source of this plant is needed, yet the natural
habitat of the plant is under severe pressure and is constantly
shrinking. The present communication reports for the first time the
clonal propagation of S. mauritiana through axillary bud cultures.
Description
DOI:10.1079/IVP2002345
Keywords
Spilanthes mauritiana, micropropagation, meristem culture, medicinal plant, plant growth regulator
Citation
In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol.—Plant 38:598–601, November–December 2002