In the heart of Iran’s arid landscapes, a humble tree is making waves in the world of plant biotechnology. *Moringa peregrina*, known locally as “Shajeh” or “Barg-e-Shajeh,” is not just a natural coagulant but a potential game-changer in the realm of tissue culture and commercial plant propagation. Recent research led by Hamideh Khajeh from the Agriculture Biotechnology Research Institute at the University of Zabol has unveiled the tree’s potential to boost the growth of another plant, *Staurogyne repens*, under laboratory conditions.
The study, published in the journal ‘Plants’ (which translates to ‘Plants’ in English), delves into the phytochemical analysis of *M. peregrina* extracts and their effects on the in vitro growth of *S. repens*. Khajeh and her team discovered that the aqueous extract of *M. peregrina* leaves contains significant amounts of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and myricetin. These compounds, when added to the plant growth medium, showed a remarkable positive effect on the length of branches, percentage of green leaves, rooting, and the fresh and dry weight of *S. repens* samples.
“Using *M. peregrina* leaf aqueous extract had a significant positive effect on the in vitro growth of *S. repens*,” Khajeh explained. The highest increase in growth indices was observed in the MS culture medium supplemented with 3 mg/L of *M. peregrina* leaf aqueous extract after three weeks of cultivation. This effect was significantly greater in the MS medium and at higher concentrations compared to the ½ MS medium.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the commercial production of valuable medicinal compounds. Plant tissue culture is a method that has a very high potential to produce these compounds on a commercial level. Advances in in vitro cultivation methods have increased the usefulness of plants as renewable resources. By leveraging the growth-promoting properties of *M. peregrina*, researchers can potentially enhance the yield and efficiency of tissue culture processes.
“This study opens up new avenues for utilizing *M. peregrina* in plant biotechnology,” Khajeh noted. “The positive interaction between the extract and *S. repens* suggests that similar effects could be observed in other plant species, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient plant propagation methods.”
As the world seeks innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for plant-derived compounds, research like Khajeh’s offers a glimpse into the future of agriculture and biotechnology. By harnessing the power of natural extracts, scientists can unlock new possibilities for commercial plant production, ultimately benefiting industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy. The journey of *Moringa peregrina* from a local coagulant to a global biotechnological asset is a testament to the untapped potential of nature’s bounty.