In Vitro Propagation of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal known as Ashwagandha is commonly used in traditional Indian medicine system. It possesses immense therapeutic value against a large number of ailments such as mental diseases, asthma, inflammation, arthritis, rheumatism, tuberculosis, and a variety of other diseases including cancer. The therapeutic potential of W. somnifera is due to the presence of secondary metabolites mainly, tropane alkaloids and withanolides (steroidal lactones). The growing realization of commercial value of the plant has initiated a new demand for in vitro propagation of elite chemotypes of Withania. Micropropagation which is an important tool for rapid multiplication requires optimization of number of factors such as nutrient medium, status of medium (solid and liquid), type of explant, and plant growth regulators. Similarly, an efficient and reproducible in vitro regeneration system which is a prerequisite for the development of genetic transformation protocol requires precise manipulation of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Pritika
P
Singh
Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Rupam
R
Guleri
Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India. pkpati@yahoo.com.
Pratap Kumar
PK
Pati
D003470:Culture Media / Q000378:metabolism; D046508:Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000379:methods; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators / Q000378:metabolism; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration; D032341:Withania / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D054358:Withanolides / Q000378:metabolism
D003470:Culture Media; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; D054358:Withanolides
In vitro propagation; Liquid culture medium; Rooting; Secondary metabolites; Shoot multiplication; Shoot regeneration; Withania somnifera