In vitro propagation and quercetin quantification in callus cultures of Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata Oliver & Hiern.)

Abstract

383-387A protocol for micropropagation of Pluchea lanceolata, an important medicinal herb was developed. Leaf explants obtained from field grown plants when tested for callus induction on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium, supplemented with NAA in combination with BAP, produced the best callus. Maximum number of multiple shoots from the callus (26.6±0.67) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0 mg/L) and Kn (1.0 mg/L). More or less uniform elongation of multiple shoots was obtained on MS medium with lower concentrations of cytokinins, i.e., BAP (0.25 mg/L) and Kn (0.5 mg/L). Further elongation and profuse rooting were achieved when the well-grown shoots were cultured on half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mg/L). The regenerated plantlets were hardened and established at 70% survival rate in pots. The bioactive secondary metabolite, quercetin, was isolated from callus tissues of different age groups and its identification and confirmation was carried out by the colour reaction, TLC behaviour, IR spectrum and HPLC techniques. Maximum quercetin content (0.23 mg/g dry wt of tissue) was obtained in 6-wk-old callus tissues