Growth, phytochemical and gene expression changes related to the secondary metabolite synthesis of Solanum viarum Dunal

Solanum viarum Dunal, is an important medicinal plant widely used as a source of raw material for the steroidal drug industry. Out of various steroidal precursors, solasodine, an analogue of diosgenin is the most important source of raw material for the synthesis of steroidal drugs. In the present study, growth and phytochemical variations in different tissue (leaves, stem, roots, and berries) of two contrasting genotypes, prickled and prickleless Solanum viarum were evaluated under in vitro and field conditions. Significant variation in growth, yield and contents of glycoalkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids were evident between two genotypes under in vitro and field conditions. Prickleless genotypes showed improved growth parameters both under in vitro and field conditions, that helps in contributing to higher yield over prickled plants. Tissue-specific chemical analysis revealed that the leaves and roots of prickleless plants serve as a better repertoire for bioactive phytomolecules. The vegetative parts of in vitro grown 50 days old prickleless plants showed comparable/higher metabolite content than 7?8 month old field-grown plants. Hence it can be used as an alternative production platform for further upscaling, elicitation, and precursor feeding targets that enhances its commercial utility. The expression analysis of seven genes involved in the regulation of important metabolite biosynthesis in both prickled and prickleless genotype of Solanum viarum was also examined. The diverse metabolite profiles are correlated with variations in gene expression profiles. This study provides information about the key metabolites and its biosynthetic pathway genes, which could be useful for the selection of an improved prickleless genotype (?Nishkantak?) of Solanum viarum.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the growth and phytochemical variations in different tissues of two contrasting genotypes of Solanum viarum under in vitro and field conditions, revealing significant differences in growth, yield, and phytochemical content. The prickleless genotypes showed improved growth parameters and better bioactive phytomolecules repository, indicating higher yield potential over prickled plants. The study also examined gene expression profiles related to metabolite biosynthesis, providing insights for selecting an improved prickleless genotype of Solanum viarum.