Combinatorial approach through in vitro regeneration and phytochemical profiling of Ceropegia media (Huber) Ans. : a potential way forward in the conservation of an endangered medicinal plant from the Western Ghats in India

Ceropegia media is an endemic and endangered plant as its propagation through seeds is unreliable due to low germination, slow growth and seedling decay under natural conditions. Also, tubers of this plant are edible serving as carbohydrate source with medicinal values leading to severe population decline in the natural habitat. To provide a sustainable solution, an efficient in vitro propagation protocol along with phytochemical profiling was developed for C. media. Callus cultures were induced from seedling and wild leaf tissues using the most effective Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 2 µM) and sucrose (3%). Somatic embryos were acquired on MS medium with 1 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1 µM 2,4-D. Conversion into plantlets was attained only from tissue culture-derived seedling leaf (TCDSL) explant. Further, in vitro tuberization was achieved from TCDSL callus with BAP and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). AgNO₃ as an elicitor had a positive effect on both fresh and dry weights of callus. Successful acclimatization (58%) was attained after two months resulting in normal phenotype in pots. Further, metabolite profiles of ten different tissues from wild and in vitro plants were compared. Total 82 compounds comprising alkaloids, fatty acids, fatty acid ester, steroids, terpenes and hydrocarbons were identified. Overall, results suggested enhanced production of selected metabolites with in vitro propagation and AgNO₃, alleviating the problem of unavailability of planting materials. Thus, the current study might offer potential ways for the conservation of such RED enlisted species as C. media. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]