Effect of some growth regulators on callus formation and some constituent of Digitalis Lanata L. cultivated in vitro

The influence of certian auxins and cytokinins on the growth and chemical constituents of Digitalis Lanata L. leaves calli was investigated. Indole acetic acid [IAA], 2, 4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid [2, 4-D] and kinetin [Kin.] were added to the culture media [Murashige and Skoog] in different concentrations alone or in combination. Digitalis Lanata L. plantlet leaves calli growth was more vigorous with [0.5 mg/L2, 4-D + I mg/L Kinetin] or [0.5 mg/L 2, 4 - D + 0.5 mg/L Kinetin], or [I mg/L 2, 4 -D] added to the media. Phytochemical screening of the formed calli revealed the presence of sterols and cardenolides, but the absence of anthraquinones compared with the controls. Quantitative estimation of the cardenolides in the leaves calli by spectrophotometric method was performed. Media containing [0.5 mg/L 2, 4-D + 1 mg/L Kinetin] gave the highest cardenolide contents [140 mg%]

Naphthoquinones of arnebia tinctoria [Forssk]

Phytochemical investigation of the light petroleum extract of Arnebia tinctoria Forssk. [=tetrastigma] root showed the isolation of two naphthoquinones: Alkannin and isovalerylalkannin. The structures of the two quinones have been established by UV, IR, HNMR and MS analysis. In addition, the aforementioned extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungal species