Effect of antioxidant and anti-aggregating properties of micro-propagated plantlets of <i>Ruta graveolens</i>

Abstract

In the present study, we developed a protocol for in vitro propagation and evaluated antioxidant and anti aggregating properties of micro propagated leaf and callus extract of Ruta graveolens. The maximum number of callus induction was achieved from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with 0.5 mg/L IAA and 1.0 mg/L of 2,4-D which yielded morphogenic compact yellowish green calli formed after 4 weeks interval. The highest shoot multiplication (82 ± 0.31) was observed on MS medium with 0.5 mg/ L 6-BA. The regenerated shoots were rooted in vitro on rooting medium containing 6-benzyl adenine and Indole-3- acetic acid (6-BA, 1.5 mg/l and 0.5 IAA mg/l showed better results of 9.08 ± 0.12 number of roots per shoots grew normally. The rooted plants were hardened in polythene bags containing sterile soil and vermiculite were successfully acclimated (at a frequency of 80%) and finally well established in the field. The enzymatic antioxidants viz: catalase, super oxide dismutase, glutathaione reductase, glutathaione peroxidase and glutathiaone-S-transferase; and non enzymic antioxidants, ascorbic acid, α- tocoperol, reduced glutathiaone, total carotenoids and flavonoids were found to be present. The free radicals scavenging (DPPH, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide) activity were also observed. These extracts were evaluated for hemolytic activity in human blood, 500 μg/Ml concentration showed moderate hemolytic action. Further studies isolation and clinical trials will proved R. graveolens as a potent source for antioxidant and antiplatelet aggregating agent.

Key words: Ruta graveolens, aromatic, antioxidant, antiplatelet aggregation, compact.