Modulation of the Secondary Metabolite Pathways and Enhancement of Curcuma longa Tissue Cultures using Homeopathic Preparations

Abstract Plant tissue culture study of Curcuma longa has shown a remarkable effect of Calendula officinalis 30 on Curcumin production. With this evidence, we planned to study the effect of other potentized homeopathic medicines on Curcumin production in the tissue culture of Curcuma longa. In addition, we also evaluated their effects on the production of polyphenols in Curcuma longa tissue culture and elucidation of its potential molecular mechanism (metabolic pathways). Tissue culture techniques and plant cells were used to observe the effect of various homeopathic medicines (Calendula officinalis, Cuprum metallicum, Arnica montana, Nitrous oxide, and Cercosporin in 31C potency) and Jasmonic acid on the production of phenols (Curcumin) under controlled conditions. The yield of Curcumin in fold-change with respect to control cultures was estimated by the HPTLC technique. LC-MS analysis of samples was conducted to study metabolic pathways. Maximum Curcumin content increased (three-fold) obtained from cultures which are induced through 20 µM of Jasmonic acid and potentized Cercosporin 31 C (1:20). Arnica montana, Cuprum metallicum, and Nitrous oxide have given a considerable amount of Curcumin in tissue culture. Secondary metabolites were upregulated in samples treated with Cercosporin. All homeopathic medicines studied contributed to the enhancement of Curcumin content in tissue cultures of Curcuma longa. This novel study also demonstrates the differential modulation of various metabolic pathways of Curcuma longa brought about by the homeopathic preparations used.