Changes in diosgenin production in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under the influence of different magnetite iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe۳O۴) concentrations in in vitro culture

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual dicotyledonous plant widely used in pharmaceutical and traditional medicinal applications. Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin with diverse biological activities, occurs naturally in several plant species, including fenugreek, and is present in the aerial parts, roots, and seeds. It serves as a key precursor for progesterone and estrogen hormones. Enhancing diosgenin production in fenugreek requires the stimulation of saponin biosynthesis, which can be influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. In the present study, the effect of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) on diosgenin accumulation in fenugreek roots was evaluated using a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications under in vitro Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture conditions. Experimental treatments consisted of different concentrations of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) (۰, ۱۰۰, ۲۰۰, and ۳۰۰ μM) applied across three liquid MS media under controlled laboratory conditions. The results showed that the type of culture medium significantly affected root length, shoot length, and stem dry weight, with the greatest growth observed in the basal MS medium. Nanoparticle treatments significantly influenced root fresh weight and leaf area, whereas root dry weight remained unchanged. The interaction between culture medium and nanoparticle concentration was significant for stem fresh weight and diosgenin content; notably, the highest diosgenin level occurred in liquid MS medium without Fe-EDTA at ۳۰۰ μM Magnetite Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (Fe۳O۴), reaching twice that of the control. Moreover, the interaction of the two factors significantly affected antioxidant enzyme activities at the ۱% probability level, with the highest activity observed in iron-free medium supplemented with EDTA.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fenugreek ، Diosgenin ، In vitro culture ، Iron nanoparticles ، Secondary metabolite ، شنبلیله ، دیوسژنین ، کشت درون شیشه ای ، نانوذرات آهن ، متابولیت ثانویه