In Vitro Propagation of Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr.: Optimization of Surface Sterilization and Effects of BA and NAA on Shoot and Root Induction

TL;DR

This study develops an efficient method for growing the medicinal plant Eleutherine palmifolia in the lab, using optimized sterilization and plant hormones to boost shoot and root growth.

Contribution

The study introduces an optimized in vitro propagation protocol for E. palmifolia using specific Clorox concentrations and BA/NAA combinations.

Findings

20% Clorox for 20 minutes achieved the highest explant survival rate of 73.33%.

Shoot induction reached 100% with 2 or 4 mg/L BA or a combination of 2 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA.

Root induction was most effective with 0.5 mg/L NAA alone, achieving 100% success.

Abstract

Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr., or Wan Hom Daeng, is a medicinal plant valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Its bulbs contain flavonoids, phenolics, and naphthoquinones, but slow natural propagation and low seed viability hinder large-scale cultivation and conservation. This study evaluated the optimal Clorox concentration and exposure time for sterilizing E. palmifolia bulb explants and examined the effects of BA and NAA on in vitro shoot and root development. The results revealed that surface sterilization with 20% Clorox for 20 min yielded the highest explant survival rate at 73.33%. Shoot induction was significantly enhanced in MS medium supplemented with 2 or 4 mg/L BA, or a combination of 2 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA, all achieving a 100% shoot formation rate. Root induction was most effective in MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L NAA alone, also with a 100% success rate. These findings establish a reliable and efficient protocol for the in vitro propagation of E. palmifolia, providing a foundation for its conservation, sustainable use, and potential commercial cultivation to meet increasing demand in the medicinal plant sector.

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