In Vitro conservation strategies and ethno pharmacological analysis of Cayratia pedata Lam.- An endangered medicinal plant of South India

Traditional medicine plays a vital role for primary health care in India.  Cayratia pedata is a reputed remedy for cough, bronchitis, asthma, joint pain, hysteria, ulcer and diarrhea.  The leaf decoction of this plant was used in the treatment of chickunguniya by folklore medicine.  But this was not scientifically explored.  Hence a study was initiated to assess the pharmacological importance of the leaf extract along with In Vitro conservation strategies to prevent the extinction of this valuable germplasm.  A quick and reliable protocol for the micropropagation of Cayratia pedata Lam., a miracle herb and boon to medical science has been developed.  MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.2 mg/l) induced maximum number of multiple shoots using nodal explant.  A maximum number of multiple shoots induced was about 50. Multiple shoots were subjected to root induction on MS medium fortified with IBA (0.2 mg/l).  The rooted plantlets were hardened and transplanted to the field for microporpagation.  The survival rate was found to be 90%.  Phytochemical analysis of this wonder herb reveals the presence of bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, saponins, phenols, flavonoids and carbohydrates and their presence is supported by FTIR spectral features.  In Vitro antimicrobial activity of the above secondary metabolites were validated using disc diffusion method against selected disease causing pathogens such as Staphylococcus aeureus, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and  Salmonella typhi.  Ethanolic leaf extract exhibited highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus whereas methanolic leaf extract showed highest activity against Vibrio cholerae.  FTIR studies revealed the presence of amines, alkenes, aromatic compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, amides and phosphine oxides. This systematic study reveals the presence of valuable phytoconstituents not hitherto reported and enables the conservation of this valuable herbal drug.