Anagallis arvensis L. (Common Pimpernel): In Vitro Culture, Regeneration of Plants, and the Formation of Anagalline and other Saponins

Abstract

Anagallis arvensis L. (family Primulaceae) the common scarlet pimpernel, also called poor man’s weather glass, because its flowers close before rain (Chevallier 1996), is a creeping annual herb with simple leaves and solitary axillary bisexual tubular flowers. It prefers waste land and untended sandy ground. This plant is a rich source of saponins (Table 1), and has been put to numerous uses. In India it is known by the common name jonkmari and used medicinally for gout, leprosy, epilepsy, and cerebral affections (Mathur 1965). In China it is a folklore remedy for snake bite and hydrophobia (Su Ching New Medical College 1977), while in Europe it is used as a diuretic (Stuart 1988). It has also been used for gallstones, liver cirrhosis, lung problems, urinary infection, kidney stones etc. The pattern of uses suggests a detoxifying action. It is also reported to stimulate the coughing up of mucus and help recovery from colds and flu (Chevallier 1996). It has antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type and polio virus (Amoros and Girre 1987), and fungicidal properties (Heitz et al. 1971).