In vitro propagation, qualitative phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Ruta chalapensis L.

In the present study, a protocol of micropropagation for Ruta chalapensis L. was established. Tissue culture studies of R. chalapensis was carried out to induce callus on MS basal medium supplemented with various hormones such as Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Indole–3–butyric acid (IBA), α–Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2,4– dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Various explants, such as leaf, node and internode were used. The results showed that maximum callus production was achieved by using the hormone α–Naphthalene acetic acid (2.0 mg/l). Preliminary phytochemical screening of methanolic crude extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponin and protein. Callus extract also showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates and phenols. Phenol estimation of leaf and stem extracts showed 16.3 mg/g and 15.4 mg/g, respectively. Thin-layer chromatography was developed in a mixture of suitable solvent system (Hexane 70%: Ethyl acetate 30%). Methanolic extracts of leaf and stem showed good antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value 96.9 μg/ml and 102.34 μg/ml, respectively.