Homeopathic Elicitation of Secondary Metabolites in Psoralea corylifolia (L.) by utilizing Calcarea Phosphorica in Micropropagation

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aims to investigate the potential of homoeopathic remedy Calcarea Phosphorica in enhancing the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in endangered medicinal plant Psoralea corylifolia (L.) Background: Psoralea corylifolia (L.) Medik., often known as Babchi, is a medicinal plant from the Fabaceae family. It has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine to treat an array of dermatological disorders, such as psoriasis, leprosy, and vitiligo Beyond its traditional use for skin conditions, Psoralea corylifolia (L.) possesses various other properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antimycobacterial, antidiabetic, anthelminthic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This versatility is attributed to the presence of potent secondary metabolites, including furanocoumarins and isoflavonoids. However, unsustainable harvesting practices pose a significant threat to the plant's survival. Tissue culture offers a promising avenue for sustainable production of valuable medicinal compounds. Interestingly emerging research suggests the potential of homeopathy to enhance the production of secondary metabolites. Methods: This study explores the potential of the homeopathic remedy Calcarea phosphorica at various potencies (6CH, 12CH, 30CH, 200CH, 1M), both alone and in combination with plant growth regulators, on the growth, callus induction, and psoralen quantity in Psoralea corylifolia (L.). The process involves several stages: callus induction, shoot regeneration, shoot multiplication, rooting of elongated shoots, and hardening. Finally, psoralen production was analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results: The highest fresh weight of callus was achieved with 0.5 ml/l Calc Phos 1M. The combined usage of 0.5 ml/l Calc Phos 1M + 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l KN resulted in the greatest fresh and dry callus weights. Increasing the strength of Calcarea phosphorica significantly increased psoralen content, with the greatest observed (2481.4 µg/g fresh wt.) in cultures treated with 1.0 ml/l Calc Phos 1M. Particularly, 1.0 ml/l Calc Phos 1M coupled with 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l KN yielded the highest psoralen in the culture. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the homeopathic remedy Calcarea Phosphorica can enhance the production of secondary metabolites in Psoralea corylifolia (L.). This research highlights the potential of homeopathic approaches for optimizing in vitro cultivation of medicinal plants, a long-standing technique that improves both yield and phytochemical composition.