Workshop
Workshop
Workshop on Micropropagation, Phytochemical, and In Vitro Anticancer Studies
Introduction
The workshop focused on the micropropagation and phytochemical analysis of the rare plant Thymus decussatus found in Egypt's St. Katherine Protectorate. The study aimed to establish optimal conditions for plant growth and investigate its potential anticancer properties, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Background
Thymus decussatus is an endangered species endemic to high mountain regions, with limited seedling recruitment due to sporadic rainfall patterns. Traditional medicine applications and phytochemical studies have highlighted the plant's medicinal potential, especially its cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Micropropagation techniques offer a promising approach for large-scale plant multiplication.
Research Findings
The workshop identified optimal growth conditions for Thymus decussatus using specific plant growth regulators. The hexane extract from the plant showed significant cytotoxic effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant compound. Interestingly, the extract exhibited synergistic effects with sorafenib and apoptotic induction but antagonistic effects with doxorubicin.
