Optimization of culture conditions for in vitro propagation of medicinally important plant Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Abstract

Withania somnifera Dunal is an evergreen, upright, perennial herb commonly named Indian ginseng which falls in Solanaceae family. The plant is recognized worldwide for its therapeutic properties, it contains secondary metabolites of flavonoids class and many active ingredients like withanolide, withaferin etc. Effort was made to optimize the rejuvenation process for this medicinally important plant. MS media were adjusted for leaf regeneration and for callus induction of this plant. In vitro rejuvenation of leaf sprouts was accomplished from nodal segments cultivated on media complemented with BAP (1.0-3.0 mg/L) alone and in synergy with KN i.e. BAP (1.5-4.0 mg/L) + KN (1.0-2.0mg/L). The quantity of shoots per explants was recorded highest in MS media complemented with BAP (2.0 mg/L) + KN (2.0 mg/L) with 85% shooting response and average shoot length approximately 3.6 cm. was promoted by BAP (4.0 mg/L)+KN (2.0 mg/L). Different explants (leaf and nodal segments) were used to establish callus. Induction of callus was detected best in MS media complemented with 2,4- D 2.0 mg/L after 20-30 days (75%).