Micropropagation of Stephania japonica, a rare medicinal plant of north-east India Handique PJ, Sharma Deboja Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam -781 014, India. *E mail: pjhandique@sify.com, debu1000@gmail.com.
Abstract Stephania japonica (Thunb). (Syn S. harnendifolia) is a species under the genus of climbers belonging to family Menispermeceae. It is used in traditional medicinal practices and is locally known as Tubuki lota or Goldua. Having high medicinal value, roots of Stephania japonica are used for treatment of fever, diarrhea, dyspepsia and urinary diseases. The alkaloid akanidine shows significant anti-spasmodic activity on uterine spasms. As this highly valued medicinal plant is facing rarity, its micropropagation and conservation was felt necessary. Stephania japonica explants collected during dry spells (January) in dormant stage showed higher rate of regeneration. Murashige and Skoog medium showed good response compared to others. Among the various hormones used singly or in combinations, best results were obtained in BAP (4.0 mg/l) + Kn (0.1 mg/l) after 15 days of inoculation. Among the various combinations, BAP+Kn showed best results in BAP (4.0 mg/l) + Kn (0.1 mg/l). Best rooting i.e longest roots of 14 mm and maximum regeneration of 17.1 roots were observed in IBA (1.0 mg/l) in 14 days. For hardening, shoots with profused rooting were transferred to ½ strength MS liquid medium with filter paper raft support for two weeks. Top Keywoards Stephania japonica, tissue culture, media selection, BAP + Kn, IBA, hardening. Top |