Abstract

TOTAL POLYPHENOL CONTENT PRESENT IN TISSUE CULTURE OF MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA.

Jeyakani Santhosh M. and Rajalakshmi M.*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is much known for its medicinal importance. It is a potential source of bioactive compounds like polyphenols, which serve as natural antioxidant with the ability to quench cytotoxic free radicals and act against several disorders. Methods: In vitro studies were carried out to determine the accumulation of polyphenolic compounds in tea tree. Calli of three different developmental stages of somatic embryogenesis were selected and total polyphenol content (TPC) was determined spectrophotometrically. Further, the effect of exogenous additives like casein hydrolysate and coconut water on the accumulation of total polyphenol was determined. Calli of different days were treated with different concentrations of casein hydrolysate (1gL-1, 2gL-1, 3gL-1) and coconut water (1%, 5%, 10%) and the total polyphenol content was determined. Result: The embryogenic calli were found to contain highest level of polyphenolics. 2 gL-1 casein hydrolysate and 5% coconut water produced the best result for the accumulation of polyphenols. Conclusion: The present study has made a platform to advance the use of Melaleuca alternifolia for producing phenolic compounds in a larger scale.

Keywords: Melaleuca alternifolia, Callus, casein hydrolysate, Coconut water, Total Polyphenol.