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Abstract

Shikonin and its derivatives are the commercially most important naphthoquinones pigments, known for their wide range of pharmaceutical properties including anticancer activities. These compounds have also been used traditionally as natural dyes for coloring silk, in cosmetics and as food additives. Arnebia euchroma (family Boraginaceae) is considered as one of the sources of shikonin derivatives. It is a perennial herb of alpine belt and distributed between 3000-4200 m in drier areas. Aseptic cultures of A. euchroma were established from rhizome buds and shoots were cultured in liquid and agar-gelled medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators. To study the production of shikonin derivatives, cell were cultured in production medium and culture conditions as well as media components were standardized to get the optimum production of compounds. To enhance the production of these compounds from cell culture, attempts were made to genetically transform the cells. Cell suspension cultures of A. euchroma were observed to produce increased amount of shikonin derivatives in two phase culture system and their scale up studies in bioreactor showed the possibility of its large scale production to meet its growing demand by various pharmaceutical industries. Thus, the present study would help in conservation of this medicinal plant species which is at the risk of becoming extinct and can meet the ever increasing demand of shikonin derivatives for their commercial production.

Biography

Sonia Malik is working as a Professor at Biological & Health Sciences Centre, Department of Biology, Federal University of Maranhão, Sao Luis. Her area of research involves in vitro production of plant secondary metabolites and metabolic engineering. She is an active member of post-graduate research program at Federal University of Maranhão. She has won many awards and recognitions for her work. Her international experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. She has been awarded with FAPEMA Senior Researcher grants in August 2015. Her research interests reflect in her wide range of publications in various national and international journals. She is the Editorial Board Member and reviewer of scientific journals.

Email: smsymposia2016@gmail.com