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Molecular and physiological role of Epipremnum
aureum
Anju Meshram, Nidhi Srivastava
Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
Epipremnum aureum (Golden pothos) is a naturally variegated climbing vine that produces abundant yellow-marbled foliage. It is
among the most popular tropical ornamental plant used as hanging basket crop. An insight has been provided about the different
varieties of Golden pothos including Neon, Marble Queen, Jade Pothos and N Joy. This paper presents a critical review on botanical
study and important characteristics of Golden pothos and special emphasis has been provided on variegated leaves and chloroplast
biogenesis explaining the important genes involved during the process and various proteins associated with it. Studies have been
included comprising the special features of Epipremnum aureum in phytoremediation for the removal of Cobalt and Cesium and in
the purification of air against formaldehyde. The antimicrobial activity of roots and leaf extracts of Epipremnum aureum against many
bacterial strains have been included. It also presents the antitermite activity of Golden pothos that can be harnessed for pest control.
Key words: Antimicrobial, antitermite, calcium oxalate, Epipremnum aureum, formaldehyde
INTRODUCTION
Epipremnum comprises 15 speciesof slender to gigantic
root‑climbing Iianes.[1] All these herbaceous evergreens
are native to South East Asia and Solomon islands.[2]
Variegated clones of E. aureum (Linden and Andre)
G.S. Bunting are extremely popular as cultivated plants
worldwide, perhaps constituting the most commonly
cultivated aroid, and the golden variegated form of
this species is frequently met with as an escape from
horticulture throughout the tropics.[3] Plants used for
interiorscape purposes such as pedestal plants, totems,
hanging baskets, dish gardens and small desk plants
usually have heart‑shaped leaves that rarely exceed
6 inches in length.
Other Species of Epipremnum
• Epipremnum amplissimum (Schott) Engl
• Epipremnum amplissimum (Schott) Engl
• Epipremnum carolinense Volkens
• Epipremnum ceramense (Engl. and K.Krause) Alderw
• Epipremnum dahlii Engl
• Epipremnum falcifolium Engl.
• Epipremnum giganteum (Roxb.) Schott
• Epipremnum meeboldii K.Krause
• Epipremnum moluccanum Schott
• Epipremnum moszkowskii K.Krause
• Epipremnum nobile (Schott) Engl
• Epipremnum obtusum Engl. and K.Krause
• Epipremnum papuanum Alderw
• Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl
• Epipremnum silvaticum Alderw.
DESCRIPTION
Epipremnum aureum is synonymous with Golden pothos,
Pothos aureuss, Scindapsus aureus, Raphidophora aurea,
devil’s ivy, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, money plant, silver
vine, Solomon Islands ivy and taro vine. Golden pothos
is also known as devil’s ivy as it stays green even when
kept in the dark. Its’ classification is shown in Table 1.
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Varieties of Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum aureum (L.) Engl. comprises several
varieties as shown in Table 2.
Botanical Study
Botanical description of Golden pothos is shown in
Table 3.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF EPIPREMNUM AUREUM
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DOI:
10.4103/0973‑8258.129566
Chloroplast Biogenesis
Variegated plants are an ideal model for the study of
chloroplast biogenesis as shown in Figure 1, because
they have both green and white/yellow sectors on the
same leaf, which can be used to compare differential
gene expression directly and also for protein profiling
Address for correspondence: Dr. Nidhi Srivastava, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali ‑ 304 022,
Rajasthan, India. E‑mail: nidhiscientist@gmail.com
Received: 23‑01‑2014; Accepted: 06‑03‑2014
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International Journal of Green Pharmacy
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Meshram and Srivastava: Role of Epipremnum aureum
Table 1: Classification of Epipremnum aureum
Kingdom
Division
Unranked
Order
Family
Subfamily
Tribe
Genus
Species
Binomial name
Plantae
Angiosperms
Monocots
Alismatales
Araceae
Monsteroideae
Monstereae
Epipremnum
E. aureum
Epipremnum aureum (L.) Engl.
Table 2: Epipremnum aureum species with its varieties
Variety
Epipremnum aureum (L.) Engl.
Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’
Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’
Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade Pothos’
Epipremnum aureum ‘N Joy’
Feature
Heart-shaped leaves with
yellow or white variegation
Solid yellow-green leaves
with no variegation
Fine variegation in white
colour
Unvariegated, dark green
colour leaf
Variegation and bumpy leaf
texture
Table 3: Various parts of Epipremnum aureum
Plants: Young plants feature bright, waxy, heart-shaped green
leaves (to 4” long) that are variegated with yellow or white. On
large mature vines, however, the leaves become much larger (to 30”
long) with deep lobes. E. aureum is an evergreen vine growing to
20-m (66 ft) tall, with stems up to 4 cm (2 in) in diameter
Leaves: Leaves are colourful and evergreen. They are alternate,
heart-shaped, entire on juvenile plants, but irregularly pinnatifid on
mature plants, up to 100-cm (39 in) long and 45-cm (18 in) broad
[juvenile leaves much smaller, typically under 20-cm (8 in) long]
Flower: Pothos plants do not flower under greenhouse and flowering
is seldom reported even within native habitats. The flowers are
produced in a spathe up to 23-cm (9 in) long
Stem: This plant is easily propagated from stem cuttings. This plant
produces trailing stems when it climbs up trees and these take root
when they reach the ground and grow along it
Roots: In its native habitat, it climbs tree trunks by aerial rootlets and
tumbles along the ground as a ground cover, reaching up to 40’ or
more in length
Figure 1: Chloroplast biogenesis in variegated leaf of Epipremnum aureum
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in order to understand the co‑ordinate expression of nuclear
and organelle genes during chloroplast biogenesis.[4,5] The
viable cells that contain undifferentiated chloroplasts in
the white/yellow sectors do not appear to interfere with
proper chloroplast development in the green sectors. During
examination of individual cells, only one type of plastid
was observed in each cell, either normal chloroplasts or
abnormal plastids. The leaf variegation phenotype may
originate from different mechanisms that interact with
chloroplast development.
Using complementary DNA suppression subtractive
hybridisation (SSH) between regenerated pale yellow and
green plants, nine downregulated and 18 upregulated
genes in pale yellow plants have been isolated. Transcript
abundance for EaZIP (Epipremnum aureum leucine
zipper), a nuclear gene homologue of tobacco NTZIP and
Arabidopsis CHL27, was reduced more than 4000‑fold in
qRT‑PCR analysis. EaZIP encodes the Mg‑protoporphyrin
IX monomethyl ester cyclase, one of the key enzymes in
the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway. Examination of
EaZIP expression in naturally variegated ‘Golden Pothos’
confirmed that EaZIP transcript levels were correlated
with leaf chlorophyll contents, suggesting that this gene
plays a major role in the loss of chlorophyll in the pale
yellow sectors of E. aureum ‘Golden Pothos’. Thus, EaZIP
was identified as a factor that may contribute to the yellow
sector formation.[6]
Root Pressure
The roots of Epipremnum aureum, does not synthesise
nicotine themselves but can take up exogenously fed
nicotine as a xenobiotic as shown in Figure 2. The alkaloid
is subsequently translocated to the leaves, via the xylem
path, where it accumulates in the mesophyll up to levels
comparable with nicotine‑rich Nicotiana species.
The Epipremnum plants accept nicotine only up to a distinct
level after which it reaches saturation about 10 days.
Figure 2: Mechanism of uptake, transport and storage of nicotine
International Journal of Green Pharmacy
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Meshram and Srivastava: Role of Epipremnum aureum
All mature, non‑senescent leaves accumulate the same
amount of nicotine. By different experimental approaches,
unequivocal evidence could be provided that root pressure
is the ‘translocative force’ for nicotine transport in E. aureum.
Under the influence of inhibitors of root respiration, nicotine
uptake was halted slowly in case of oxygen deprivation and
in case of cyanide, or it stopped very rapidly when CCCP,
an uncoupler of mitochondrial ATP formation, was applied
to the roots. Leaves, bearing a heavy ‘nicotine load’, showed
symptoms of senescence only after 3‑6 weeks, as indicated
by a decline in the chlorophyll content, the chlorophyll a/b
ratio, and the maximal quantum yield efficiency (Fv/Fm),
and by an increase in catalase activity. This study has
showed the mechanisms of uptake, transport and storage
of nicotine as a xenobiotic.[7]
MOLECULAR STUDIES CARRIED SO FAR
The genome size of Epipremnum aureum is 7815.39
(2C, Mbp), having 42.70% of GC content.[8] In response of
formaldehyde, genes have been isolated from Epipremnum
aureum using GeneFishing PCR. Immediate early gene was
studied in response of formaldehyde. cDNA sequence for
class II chitinase is generated. This gene is suggested to have
a novel physiological role for chitinase in environment and
carbon metabolism in plants.[9] In eukaryotes, formaldehyde
dehydrogenase (FALDH) is playing role in formaldehyde
metabolism. Its cDNA has been cloned from Epipremnum
aureum and is capable of purifying gaseous formaldehyde.
Studies have revealed that FALDH from Golden pothos
in transgenic plants is more effective in removing
formaldehydes compared with Arabidopsis and rice.[10]
CHARACTERISTIC FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OF
EPIPREMNUM AUREUM
Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation is a newly developed technology for
treatment of low and intermediate level liquid radioactive
wastes originated from the daily use of nuclear technologies
in life. Studies have shown that Epipremnum can accumulate
Co‑60 and Cs‑137 from solutions, both in the absence
and presence of stable carriers and nutrient ions without
apparent toxicity. Thus, for solutions in which conventional
cleanup is unsuitable or expensive, Epipremnum might offer
a method of Co‑60 and Cs‑137 accumulation.[11]
Calming Effect
It was found that actively touching a leaf of natural pothos
caused people to experience an unconscious calming
response. This research supports the various previous
studies that plants, nature and material of natural origin
bring feelings of relaxation to people. The results of this
experiment might have been different if leaves with various
different surface types had been used and it is necessary to
examine this further. This report offers a new framework
for understanding the relationship between human beings
and plants or nature.[12]
In Cleaning Air Pollution
Formaldehyde is a major indoor air pollutant. Its removal
from air can reduce the health risk of urban population.
Epipremnum aureum is very effective plant is removing
formaldehyde. It is very much suitable for garage since car
vehicle exhaust contains formaldehyde. It has the capability
to absorb and metabolise formaldehyde which is a major
indoor pollutant. Study has been conducted on the removal of
benzene by Epipremnum aureum as shown in Table 4.[13] These
plants can also reduce benzene and trichloroethylene levels.[14]
As Antimicrobial Agent
The plant exhibits broad spectrum antimicrobial activity
against various pathogens. Leaves and aerial roots of the
E. aureum have shown great potential of antimicrobial
activity as shown in Table 5. Some of the plant extracts
possess compounds with antimicrobial properties that can
be further explored for antimicrobial activity.[15]
Antitermites Activity
Studies show that 5% concentration of aerial root extract
in ethanol shows antitermites activity in 5 minutes from
96 to 100% whereas Epipremnum aureum root extract in water
has shown antitermites activity after 10 minutes. Thus, this
plant can be cheaply harnessed in combating agricultural
infections and can be used for pest control.[15]
PROBLEMS
No serious insect or disease problems but care should be
taken for fungal leaf spot and botrytis. Roots may rot in
poorly drained soils and scale and mites may appear.
CALCIUM OXALATE AND TOXICITY
All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals
which may cause atopic dermatitis and serious reactions
if chewed or swallowed as shown in Table 6. The plant
is listed as “toxic to cats, toxic to dogs” by the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),
because of the presence of insoluble raphides. Care should
Table 4: Effect of Epipremnum aureum in cleaning air pollution
Plant species
Epipremnum aureum
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Fumigation fashion
Static fumigation
Chamber size
Cubic; 60×60×60 cm
Volatile organic compound
Benzene
International Journal of Green Pharmacy
Concentration level
25 ppmv
Removal rate
Less than 10%
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Meshram and Srivastava: Role of Epipremnum aureum
Table 5: Antimicrobial effect of Epipremnum aureum
Name of
Parts Extract/
the plant
used compound
Epipremnum Leaves Ethanol
aureum
Epipremnum Roots
aureum
Water
Methanol
Acetone
Bacterial strain
(zone of inhibition in mm)
E. coli (16), Micrococcusluteus (14),
Bacillus subtilis (20), B. cereus (13)
E .coli (24), Micrococcus
luteus (17)
Bacillus subtilis (21)
B. cereus (18)
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
Table 6: Toxic effect of Epipremnum aureum
4.
Plant species Common Primary
Xenobiotics Class of
(family)
name
toxicity
xenobiotic
Pothos
Dermatitis:
Oxalate
Carboxylic
Epipremnum
Mechanical
raphides
acid
aureum
and cytotoxic
(araceae)
5.
be taken to ensure the plant is not consumed by house
pets or children. Symptoms may include oral irritation,
vomiting and difficulty in swallowing. The level of toxicity
is generally mild to moderate. Handling plant may cause
skin irritation or allergic reaction. Symptoms include
burning and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue and throat,
also diarrhoea whereas skin irritation occurs from frequent
contact.[16]
6.
7.
8.
9.
CONCLUSIONS
Study has been conducted at the molecular level of
Golden pothos and it has been shown that EaZIP gene
is the only differentially expressed gene which codes
for MPE cyclase involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis.
Thus, EaZIP gene is responsible for leaf variegation.
Formaldehyde is a major contaminant in indoor air
and Epipremnum aureum is known to absorb and
metabolise gaseous formaldehyde. Phytoremediation
of chemical air pollutants such as formaldehyde have
also been reported by Pothos. Touching the leaves of
this plant causes calming effects in humans. We have
already achieved the results in the favour of plant
leaves and aerial roots that have great antibacterial and
antitermiteactivity.[15] The detail study of this plant at
molecular level (characterisationof the compound) is
under process in our lab.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are thankful to Prof. Aditya Shastri, Hon. Vice
Chancellor, Banasthali University, for his support and
encouragement. We also thank to the authorities of Banasthali
University for providing facilities to conduct this study.
| April‑June 2014 |
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How to cite this article: Meshram A, Srivastava N. Molecular and
physiological role of Epipremnum aureum. Int J Green Pharm 2014;8:73‑6.
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
International Journal of Green Pharmacy
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