The in vitro propagation of Helichrysum umbraculigerum

Stilbenoids are a specific class of phenolic compounds, some of which show medicinal potential. Novel stilbenoids have previously been isolated from the South African plant Helichrysum umbraculigerum [1]. These prenylated resveratrol analogues are well known for their applications, which have mainly been discovered in research conducted on Cannabis sativa [2]. The applications include possible anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. H. umbraculigerum is known to be used by South African traditional healers. Exploitation of medicinal properties will require large numbers of plants, but H. umbraculigerum has proved difficult to cultivate. The aim of this study was to optimise an in vitro propagation protocol for H. umbraculigerum. Leaf cuttings were sterilised using 70% ethanol followed by 2% sodium hypochlorite containing 1 drop of Tween-20^®. They were then washed in distilled water and placed onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. Uncontaminated leaf cuttings were placed onto MS media supplemented with different combinations of plant growth regulators. Shoots were produced most efficiently on MS media containing a specific concentration of thidiazuron (TDZ). These shoots were subsequently moved into the light, after which they started producing roots. Plantlets were successfully acclimatised using Jiffy-7C^® pellets. The in vitro propagation protocol developed will allow for the production of large amounts of plant material for future research conducted on H. umbraculigerum.

References:

[1] Bohlmann F, Hoffmann E. Cannabigerol-ähnliche verbindungen aus Helichrysum umbraculigerum. Phytochemistry 1979; 18: 1371 – 1374

[2] Appendino G, Chianese G, Taglialatela-Scafati O. Cannabinoids: occurrence and medicinal chemistry. Curr Med Chem 2011; 18: 1085 – 1099