Organogenic Response of Brassica nigra Stem Explant by Lupeol and Their Phytochemical Analysis

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Lupeol, a triterpenoid molecule, on Brassica nigra. The therapeutic potential of this plant is significant, and Lupeol is recognized for its contributions to plant defense and growth. This study examined the effect of different concentrations of Lupeol (1 µM, 5 µM, and 10 µM) on the biochemical and growth parameters of Brassica nigra. Developmental factors such as root and shoot length, as well as fresh and dry weight, exhibited a remarkable increase compared to control. The study indicates significant increase in root (296%) and shoot (65%) lengths at 10 µM Lupeol. Fresh weight of both roots and shoots showed 149% and 67% increase, respectively while the dry weight increased up to 6% and 116%, respectively at 10 µM Lupeol. Enzymatic activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Peroxidase (POD) exhibited maximum activity at a concentration of 5 µM Lupeol, which aligns with the observed trends in other biochemical indicators. A significant proportion of the biochemical indicators, including Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and antioxidant activities such as DPPH, ABTS, Metal Chelating (MC), TAC, and TRP exhibited highest levels at a Lupeol concentration of 5 µM. Total phenolic content (TPC) in shoots reached its maximum level at this particular dose, measuring 37.68 µgGAE/mg DW. At 5 µM Lupeol, TFC in shoots was 21.76 gQE/mg DW, ABTS activity was 45%, MC activity was 54.97%, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was 84.28 gAAE/mg DW, and Total Reducing Power (TRP) was 95.20 μgAAE/mg DW. The scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was most pronounced in shoots at the aforementioned concentration, exhibiting a scavenging rate of 60%. These results indicate that the 5 µM Lupeol treatment has a complex range of bioactive effects on plant shoots, alongside its impact on growth parameters like fresh and dry weight. In conclusion, Lupeol appears to be a potent bioactive molecule that promotes growth and protects Brassica nigra from oxidative damage.