Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics laboratory, Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad University
Online published on 11 March, 2016.
Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to Asclepiadaceae family. Hemidesmus indicus has antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, antimicrobial and antileprotic properties. It is used as blood purifier and has diuretic, anti rheumatic and antidiarrhoeal and anti viper venom activity. A protocol has been developed for its micropropagation from nodal explants. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators like Indole acetic acid (IAA), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), Kinetin (KN) and Adenine sulphate (AS). Multiple shoots were regenerated successfully from the nodal explants. Plant extracts were analyzed for phytochemical constituents. The qualitative analysis showed the presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols and tannins. Quantitative analysis for total phenols and flavonoids produced interesting results.
Hemidesmus indicus, micropropagation, nodal explants
