title: Enhanced HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitory and Antibacterial Properties in Callus of Catha edulis Forsk.
abstract: Developing tissue culture systems for medicinal plants is important in that they may offer an alternative to protect wild populations. However, analysis of bioactivity for tissue culture developed plant tissues is required to offer support and allow acceptance in traditional medicine. The use of propagated callus could provide potential material for therapeutic purposes. This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-HIV and antibacterial properties of a three-month-old tissue culture-derived calli and leaves of cultivated mother plants of Catha edulis Forsk. The calli were derived from leaf explants using different plant growth regulators. The calli obtained from callus cultured on 9.8 μM indole-3-butyric acid plus 2.7 μM naphthalene acetic acid exhibited the highest HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory effects when compared with other treatments and the mother plants. Different extracts of callus exhibited high antibacterial activity (<1 mg/mL: minimum inhibitory concentration from 0.098 to 0.78 mg/mL) against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Leaf acetone extracts showed moderate activity (minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.78 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus. The present study indicated that tissue culture-derived calli could be used as therapeutic agents for traditional medicine. The choice of treatment used in the tissue culture system and the age of the callus for production of biomass may significantly influence its therapeutic potential.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Aloka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumari
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ponnusamy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baskaran
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Staden
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D029754:Catha / Q000737:chemistry*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D054303:HIV Reverse Transcriptase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D007211:Indoles; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007211:Indoles; C014612:indolebutyric acid; C514824:reverse transcriptase, Human immunodeficiency virus 1; D054303:HIV Reverse Transcriptase
keywords: Catha edulis; anti-HIV; antibacterial activity; callus biomass; tissue culture