In vitro propagation and elemental analysis of phyllanthus nirui L.: an anti-plasmodial plant

Three accessions of Phyllanthus niruri from three different localities were assessed for their fruit or seed germination in vivo and in vitro as well as embryogenic calli and subsequent embryo induction. Accessions collected from Kwabenya, Kasoa or Aburi did not germinate when nursed. However, seeds from 3, 5 or 7 days dehisced fruits germinated with 7 days having the highest percentage (68.8%) of germination when nursed in the same substrate suggesting that there was fruit wall imposed dormancy. To improve percentage germination, seeds were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0-1.2 mg/l BAP or kinetin. At this treatment, seed cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.2 mg/l had the highest percentage (61.1% ) of germination. Alternate regeneration via nodal cuttings cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with BAP with NAA or IBA resulted in multiple shoot induction which augurs well for rapid clonal multiplication. Additionally, regeneration via somatic embryogenesis using leaf lobe explants cultured on MS, OK W, Schenk basal medium with vitamins supplemented with 2,4-0 or Picloram resulted in only callus induction. Callus induction was high when concentrations of (0.2-1.0 mg/l) 2,4-0 were used with concentrations of (2.0-3.0 mg/l) Picloram was able to induce calli. The transfer of calli to MS medium supplemented with BAP resulted in multiple shoot regeneration. Calli also grew in size and were weighed after three series of subcultures indicating that they could be used for extraction of antiplasmodial active ingredients. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (lNAA) revealed the presence of five macro and four micro nutrients but no toxic element making P. niruri useful as a medicinal plant. (au)