Screening of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Callus as a Potential Source of Reserpine

Abstract

Reserpine, an indole alkaloid found in leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, is of pharmacological importance mainly due to its hypotensive effect. This study aimed to detect reserpine in callus culture of C. roseus. A previously established callus line of Catharanthus roseus was propagated over several subcultures in hormone-free Murashige Skoog medium. Acid-base extraction using ethyl acetate, was done to extract the alkaloids, and the alkaloid extracted was subjected to Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to initially determine the alkaloids present. Based on the separation of individual alkaloids, Toluene:Acetone:Methanol (7:3:0.5) was selected as the best developing solvent as against Chloroform:Methanol (9:1) and Butanol: Acetic Acid: Water (4:1:1). The alkaloids were detected using Cerric Ammonium Sulfate, Dragendorff’s reagent and lodine-Potassium Iodide. TLC of the total alkaloids revealed four bands. The Rf value of the reserpine standard did not match any of the four bands of the total alkaloid extract. Infrared spectroscopy showed that reserpine and the total alkaloid extract to have similar IR spectra. However, proton NMR spectroscopy did not detect reserpine in the total alkaloid extract.