Oryzalin-Induced polyploidy enhances natural metabolite accumulation and functional bioactivities in novel Callisia...

The reorientation of Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson, from therapeutic to ornamental use, exemplifies a broader domestication trend, favoring aesthetics over medicinal properties. Renewed phytomedicinal interest and the rise of plant extract markets drive demand for organic, sustainable consumer products, heightening the competition for superior cultivars. Synthetic polyploidization using oryzalin was conducted to obtain high-quality cultivars of C. fragrans, facilitating enhanced phenotypic and biological traits without genetic modification. This study aimed to explore the metabolic spectrum and biological activities of oryzalin-induced polyploid C. fragrans for its advanced medicinal application. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed the ploidy level of the plants. Consequently, GC-FID and ¹H NMR analyses revealed distinct metabolite profiles, with increased ethyl stearate, malic acid, gallic acid, fumaric acid, and unique compounds like (Z)-11-eicosenoic acid and dodecan-1-ol in polyploids. Polyploid extracts demonstrated exceptional antioxidant capacity, with DPPH, ORAC, and ABTS assays showing higher radical scavenging and oxygen absorbance abilities than diploid extracts. The polyploid extract showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Callisia extracts, meticulously at a low concentration of 25 µg/mL, showed cytoprotective effects on HT-29 cells, mitigating H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, treatment with polyploid extract was associated with the downregulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, suggesting a potentially greater anti-inflammatory effect compared to the diploid extract. These findings depict enhanced metabolite accumulation and biological activities in polyploid compared than diploid progenitor, highlighting the potential of the novel polyploid C. fragrans variety for future therapeutic applications, particularly in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.