Shoot culturesa of some species from the genus Phyllantus as a source of biologically active secondary metabolites

Genus Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) comprises numerous species commonly used in folk medicine in Asia and South America in the treatment of liver diseases and genitourinary disorders. According to literature data, species from the genus Phyllanthus are a rich source of lignans, alkaloids and flavonoids. The aim of the study was to recognize the chemical composition of the shoot cultures of the following Phyllanthus species: P. grandifolius, P. juglandifolius, P. multiflorus, P. glaucus and P. amarus. Selective production of catechins was revealed in shoot cultures of P. grandifolius and P. juglandifolius harvested on MS medium supplemented with BAP and TDZ. Catechins possess strong antioxidant activity and play a role in the inhibition of carcino- and mutagenesis. The presence of the following compounds was affirmed in catechin complex: (–)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, (–)-epigallocatechin and (–)-gallocatechin. Only traces of catechins are present in the shoot culture of P. multiflorus and P. glaucus. The presence of flavan-3-ols derivatives was confirmed using HPTLC and UFLC methods. In the shoot cultures of all investigated species β-sitosterol and β-amyrin were determined using HPTLC method. In the shoot culture of P. multiflorus harvested on SH₀ the presence of flavonoids was revealed. Among the analyzed plant material only the shoot culture of P. glaucus harvested on MS medium supplemented with BAP and IBA contained alkaloids belonging to securinine-type. Securinin and its derivatives are GABA antagonists and inhibit inflammatory process induced by β-amyloid protein. In the shoot cultures of P. amarus the presence of complex of lignans, mainly phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, was revealed using HPTLC and HPLC methods. These compounds are considered to be responsible for the antiviral activity of Phyllanthus species, especially in the treatment of hepatitis B.

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