ABSTRACTThe effects of explant source, medium composition, and growth regulators were examined in callus lines of Curcuma longa. Callus cultures were induced from leaf sheath, leaf lamina, leaf base, apical buds, and lateral buds. The growth potential of established callus lines varied with a combination of phytohormones and culture medium. The greatest callus induction (79%) after 21 d was observed with MS medium supplemented with 3 mg L−1 2,4-D and 0.8 mg mL−1 kinetin. Phytochemical and chromatographic analysis of callus extract after 6th sub-culture revealed the presence of 53.6 mg g−1 of total polyphenols and 36.1 mg g−1 curcumin dry wt. with higher in-vitro anti-oxidant activity compared to turmeric rhizome extract. The lateral bud callus of C. longa may be used as a starting material for the synthesis of secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical interest.