Establishing Tissue Culture of King of Bitters (Andrographis paniculata) and Comparison of Callus Versus Plant Neoandrographolide Production

Abstract

Neoandrographolide is a secondary compound endemic to Andrographis paniculata (King of Bitters) and gives the plant its anti-inflammatory property. Because of the widespread use of neoandrographolide and the low seed germination rate of Andrographis paniculata, creating a callus tissue culture, from which to extract neoandrographolide, has the potential to be beneficial to pharmaceutical companies. Callus was produced from King of Bitters plant tissue using the Mineo protocol for tissue extraction and the Murashige protocol for the callus media and incubation. HPLC-CAD analysis was done on a liquid extract of callus (1 g dried callus to 50 mL methanol) and leaf tissue (1g dried leaves to 50 mL methanol) using the Li protocol. No detectable neoandrographolide content was found in the callus, but neoandrographolide was found in the plant leaf tissues. To facilitate neoandrographolide production in callus, elicitors, genetic manipulation, metabolic engineering, or the use of symbionts may be viable options.