Characterisation of In Vitro Produced Embelin and Evaluation of its Antifungal Properties

Author: Tresa Hamalton and Janofer U.

Download PDF

Abstract

Traditionally used toxic chemical wood preservatives are being replaced with eco-friendly biocidal wood protectants. Many plant extractives are being investigated for their potential to control biodegradation of wood, and a single organic compound effective against a broad range of wood rot fungi is yet to be identified. Embelin, the main active component of the extremely valuable medicinal plant, Embelia ribes, is effective against a wide spectrum of fungi causing human diseases and is therefore used in the formulation of anti-fungal drugs. However, there is no prior report on its effect against wood degrading fungi. In vitro production of Embelin through callus or cell cultures can be adopted to obtain this compound at a shorter duration in large amounts. In this study, Embelin was extracted in chloroform from leaf derived callus and seeds of E. ribes, which were characterised by TLC and FT-IR analyses. Assays against wood rot fungi using the extracted Embelin revealed that it can be

Keywords

Embelin, antifungal, Embelia ribes, bioreactor, wood rot fungi.

Conclusion

The production of secondary metabolites of medicinally important compounds using plant tissue culture technology has become feasible due to the enhanced understanding about metabolic pathways and advancements in metabolic engineering. We have earlier showed the feasibility of using callus culture as an alternative for Embelin production. In the present study, the evaluation of the antifungal efficacy of extracted and characterised Embelin is reported. The Embelin in callus extract, seed extract and ex vitro leaf extract was confirmed by TLC and FT-IR. This study has also shown that, Embelin is effective against wood rotters such as Trimates hirsuta and Oligoporus placentus at concentrations above 25mg/l for seed and callus extract. Therefore, Embelin can also be used as an alternative to chemical wood preservatives. Also, there is a possibility of developing E. ribes as an important source of biopesticide and a potential antifungal agent. However, further studies are needed for isolati

References

-

How to cite this article

Hamalton, T. and U. Janofer, (2021). Characterisation of In Vitro Produced Embelin and Evaluation of its Antifungal Properties. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(1): 86-91.