Impact of Seasonal Water Deficit on the Secondary Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Defense System of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) in Jharkhand’s Forest Ecosystem

Abstract

Seasonal water deficiency is among the most significant non-living elements which disrupt the growth, activity and chemical composition of medicinal plants in the tropical forests. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees is among the most demanded plants among the large number of medicinal plants due to its biogenetic secondary metabolites as a diterpene andrographolide and other derivative compounds. The current study is expected to be focused on the study of effects of seasonal water scarcity on metabolite profile and photo-protection of A. paniculata that naturally grows in Jharkhand, India. The experiment was founded on field experiments, carried out using three different seasons, i.e. monsoon (enough water), post-monsoon (moderate lack of water) and summer (extreme lack of water). The total phenolic content, flavonoid, and andrographolide concentration and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were assessed by scientists. the moderate level of stress caused the most significant increase in the quantity of secondary metabolites and antioxidant enzyme activities, and the so-called metabolic imbalance and the damage of the oxidative processes were observed during the periods of toxic droughts. The paper introduces the crude biochemical state to which A. paniculata has adapted due to the seasonal drought and in that, presents the agricultural and harvesting techniques which are dependent on the droughted-water situation as the primary benefit.

Keywords - Andrographis paniculata, seasonal drought, secondary metabolites, antioxidant enxymes