In Vitro Micropropagation and Alkaloid Production of Galanthus transcaucasicus Fomin

Introduction Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of various nations have the potential to provide biologically active substances which could be useful for the treatment of many disorders.1-3 This could be obtained by taking advantage of information available from traditional medicine and also ethnobotanical knowledge.4-7 Amaryllidaceae family has about 85 bulbous genera and more than 1000 species which are found in relatively warm regions and tropical areas.8 These plants are well-known for their ornamental worth and traditional uses. [...]these plants are famous for their bioactive alkaloids called Amaryllidaceae alkaloids.9 The genus Galanthus belonging to Amaryllidaceae, produces pharmacologically active alkaloids compounds.10 These alkaloids have significant biological effects such as antiviral, antiprotozoal, antitumor and anti-Alzheimer.11-13 Alzheimer's disease (AD) is related with progressive degeneration of memory and cognitive function which affects millions of people all around the world.14 Galantamine is one of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids which is used in treatment of AD.15 Just a few species of Galanthus species have been phytochemically studied. [...]the establishment of in vitro plant protocols has to be monitored by phytochemical investigation of their selected extracts in order to supply standardized raw material.