INTEGRATED MOLECULAR STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF ANTI-CANCER COMPOUNDS FROM ABUTILON HIRTUM (LAM.) SWEET (MALVACEAE) (Book Chapter)

Abstract

Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet, a member of the Malvaceae family, has garnered attention for its rich reservoir of bioactive compounds, particularly those with potential anti-cancer properties. Various studies have explored the medicinal potential of Malvaceae plants, revealing a diverse array of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, phenolic acids, and mucilages. Studies indicate that extracts or compounds derived from Abutilon hirtum exhibit promising effects against various cancer types. Several species within the Abutilon genus have also been recognized for their medicinal properties, with Abutilon hirtum being particularly rich in beneficial phytochemicals. To enhance the production of these secondary metabolites, a range of biotechnological methods are employed. Plant cell suspension culture and in vitro adventitious root culture are vital techniques used to boost secondary metabolite production. These methods have been successful in various plant species, generating compounds with pharmacological, nutraceutical, and industrial significance. Elicitation techniques, including the use of abiotic and biotic elicitors, are utilized to stimulate secondary metabolite production in suspension and adventitious root cultures, thereby increasing biomass and the concentration of pharmacologically active compounds during plant growth. Additionally, the use of nanomaterials as elicitors presents a promising avenue for augmenting secondary metabolite production and bolstering plant resilience to environmental stressors, with potential benefits for human health. Moreover, the review discusses recent advancements in biotechnological approaches, such as metabolic engineering and genetic modification, to further amplify the production of bioactive molecules from Abutilon hirtum. Overall, this synthesis provides insights into the potential of biotechnological interventions for optimizing the production of anti-cancer compounds from Abutilon hirtum, paving the way for future research and applications in cancer therapeutics.