Exogenous application of salicylic acid and gibberellic acid on biomass accumulation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory secondary metabolites production in multiple shoot culture of Ajuga integrifolia Buch. Ham. ex D.Don

Ajuga integrifolia Buch. Ham. ex D.Don is pharmacologically important plant, commonly known as Kori Booti. Phytochemicals of this plant are used to treat variety of illnesses, ranging from mild tooth ache to malaria and inflammatory diseases. In present study, exogenous role of plant signaling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA) and gibberellic acid (GA) were investigated for enhanced phytochemistry and biological activities in multiple shoot culture of A. integrifolia. Shoots were exposed to various concentrations of SA and GA, and data was collected after 21 days. Significant increase in biomass (dry weight (DW): 17.9 g/L) was observed in response to GA (5.0 mg/L) as compared with SA and control. High performance liquid chromatography was employed to quantify eleven major secondary compounds. Results indicated that salicylic acid promoted phytochemical production in shoot cultures whereas gibberellic acid down regulated their biosynthesis. Salicylic acid (150 mu M) was found optimum for maximum accumulation of majority of compounds, while rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid levels were higher in response to SA (75 mu M) and SA (300 mu M), respectively. In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were significantly increased under SA (150 mu M) treatment suggesting a direct correlation in phytochemical biosynthesis and their respective biological activities.