Effect of saccharides on secondary compounds production from stem derived callus of Datura inoxia

Datura inoxia is a subshrub plant known for its toxicity which results from the presence of the tropane alkaloid scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Saccharides are one of the most important elicitors that can alter physiological and biochemical responses in plants. This study targeted to increase the production of secondary metabolites in Datura inoxia avoiding genetic alteration and processes using different nontoxic and biodegradable compounds, utilizing calli induced from Datura inoxia stems to observe the effects of mannitol and sorbitol on the production of the two major secondary metabolites, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Methanolic extract of the whole plant and callus was used to examine the production of two secondary metabolites in Datura inoxia using HPLC in a qualitative and quantitative manner which revealed the increased production of scopolamine and hyoscyamine in calli. The addition of mannitol and sorbitol in the media had a negative effect on both the fresh and dry weight of the calli but production of scopolamine and hyoscyamine increased significantly. In-vitro anti-microbial assay of hyoscyamine against Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Candida albicans resulted in total inhibition of both the microbes in concentrations as low as 200 µg/ml.