Sapindus Trifoliatus Research Articles

Impact of urbanization on soapnut Sapindus trifoliatus L. tree cover and the need for community involvement: a case study from Kochi, Kerala, India

ABSTRACT The South Indian soapnut tree, Sapindus trifoliatus L, is a midsized evergreen tree from the Indian subcontinent whose fruit can produce natural detergents, biodiesel, and biopesticides. In this study, we document the systematic destruction of soapnut trees through a citizen-supported tree census in an emerging Tier 2 city, Kochi, in South India. In the study, 3580 respondents allowed us to find and map 210 locations of soapnut trees across 411.57 km2. Kochi expanded suddenly in the early 2000s, with a drastic increase in built-up area (126%) and a steady decline in wetlands (57.6%) and croplands (15%). Habitat loss and removal from home gardens has quartered soapnut tree density, to 0.11 km−2. With only 50 trees remaining, the population of the South Indian soapnut will reach the brink of local extinction by 2080.

Analysis of Antimicrobial Activity of Sapindus trifoliatus L.

Abstract: 
 
 Sapindus trifoliatus L. is an extremely valuable medicinal plant distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Plant extracts appear to be one of the better alternatives as they are known to have a minimal environmental impact and danger to consume in contrast to synthetic pesticides. The seed extracts of Sapindus trifoliatus L. exhibited activity against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of each plant extract was tested against bacterial and fungal organisms
 I.e. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
 E.coli. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavous and Fusarium spp.
 The antimicrobial activity was done for Chloroform, Ethyl Alcohol, Petroleum Ether, Acetone and Aqueous extracts. The study revealed that the ethanolic extract of the pericarp of Sapindus trifoliatus L. showed positive prominent antibacterial activity against E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The ethanol extract showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus niger at 100% plant extract. The inhibitory activity of the various seed extracts like Chloroform, Acetone, Petroleum ether, Ethyl alcohol and aqueous were observed.

Contingent Valuation of Forest Produce in High Altitude Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present study aims at estimating compound annual growth rate of forest area in the high altitude zone of Andhra Pradesh state. The study was based on secondary data, which were collected from various published and unpublished sources. The data related to forest area was collected for the period of 1990-91 to 2020-21. For detailed analysis, the whole period was divided into two sub-periods i.e., period I (1990-91 to 2004-05), period II (2006-07 to 2020-21). The overall compound growth rate of forest area under high altitude zone of Andhra Pradesh was positive (0.54 per cent). But negative growth rate (-0.0048 per cent) was found in area for the HAT Zone in period-I (1990-91 to 2005-06) and positive growth rate (1.74 per cent) was found in area for the HAT Zone in period-II (2006-07 to 2020-21). Compound annual growth rate of forest area was found positive in overall period for the high altitude zone. Contingent Valuation (CV) and its two arms like Willingness To Pay (WTP) and Willingness To Accept (WTA) are survey methods that were supposed to measure the value of non-market goods mainly for minor forest products. Willingness To Accept usually consists of getting the information from the producers on how much they are willing to accept to avoid a negative or to accept a positive outcome. The results showed that willingness to accept was significant for all minor forest products like beedi leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon), soap nut (Sapindus trifoliatus), honey, bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), firewood, vegetables, mushroom, fruits and cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale). The empirical results revealed that producers were willing to accept a premium for these forest products but lack of store availability, lack of credit facilities and middlemen exploitation were the major problems faced by the producers for which a reliable regulatory system is necessary to mitigate the quality constraint problem of forest products.

Evaluation of native medicinal plants as feed additives in the Sheep ration

The present study evaluated nutritional attributes of local medicinal herbs and analysed their effect as feed additives in sheep ration. Proximate and fiber analysis of all herbs- Allium sativa, Cuminum cyminum, Emblica officinalis, Murraya koenigiii, Pimpinella anisum, Sapindus trifoliatus, Terminalia arjuna, Trigonella-foenum graecum, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Azadirachta indica and their further screening at different inclusion levels of 3%, 3.5% and 4% of ration to ascertain their effect on in vitro rumen fluid pH, dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility of ration was carried out during in vitro phase. Pimpinella anisum @ 3% of ration resulted in significant increase in in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro organic matter digestibility of ration. In vivo trial was conducted in which fourteen indigenous, non-descript, adult male sheep (body weight, 27.10±0.10 kg and age, 22-24 months) were randomly allotted into two groups and fed ad lib. wheat straw and concentrate mixture @ 25 g/W0.75 along with Pimpinella anisum @ 3% of ration in treatment group. Comparable OM, CP, EE digestibility was seen in both groups, however, treatment group had significantly higher DM, total carbohydrate, CF, NDF, ADF and HC digestibility. Both groups had positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance, however, treatment group had significantly increased nitrogen balance. Rumen fermentation parameters were comparable in both groups. Haemoglobin, PCV, serum protein and albumin in treatment group were significantly higher while no significant variation was seen in serum globulin, Albumin:Globulin ratio, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine and blood glucose concentration between both groups. It can be inferred from the above data that Pimpinella anisum @ 3% of ration can effectively be used as a feed additive in sheep ration for improving feed intake, nutrient digestibility and utilisation.

Biotechnical Approaches to Enhance the Growth and Biomass of Sapindus Trifoliatus Seedlings

Biotechnical Approaches to Enhance the Growth and Biomass of Sapindus Trifoliatus Seedlings

Enhancement of Sapindus trifoliatus (soapnut) biodiesel yield, engine performance, and reduce emissions using Mg-doped CaO nanocatalyst

The use of biodiesel can reduce dependence on diesel, and the compression ignition (CI) engine's performance with biodiesel is substantially low but could be improved by emulsifying nano-additives. Biodiesel production and performance in CI engines using a homogeneous catalyst is less efficient, expensive, and time-consuming. In this research article, magnesium-doped calcium oxide (Mg–CaO), a novel heterogeneous nanocatalyst, was synthesized and then used to generate biodiesel from Sapindus trifoliatus seed oil. The catalyst surface characterization was analyzed using the surface imaging method, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, the nanocatalyst (30 ppm Mg–CaO) is emulsified in its nano form with the Sapindus trifoliatus biodiesel (STBD) at B25 (STB25% + diesel75%) blend and investigated in the CI engine. The highest yield of 91.75% of biodiesel was achieved at 58 °C, 73 min, 4% catalyst concentration (w/w), and 15:1 methanol:oil molar ratio. The performance results were obtained using STBD25, STBD25 blended with CaO nano-additives (STBD25 + 30 ppm CaO) and STBD25 blended with Mg-doped CaO nano-additives (STBD25 + 30ppm Mg–CaO) are compared to the baseline values obtained from diesel. From the comparison, it is revealed that STBD25 + 30ppm Mg–CaO has a greater influence on combustion, performance, and emission characteristics as follows: (i) in-cylinder pressure increased by 3.22%, 6.24%, and 9.02%, (ii) heat release rate increased by 1.68%, 16.69%, and 32.5%, (iii) brake thermal efficiency is found to be increased by 4.56%, 8.23%, and 11.79%, (iv) hydrocarbon (HC) decreased by 21.12%, 6.06%, and 11.43%, (v) carbon monoxide (CO) decreased by 0.04%, 0.01%, and 0.01%, and (vi) smoke decreased by 22.61%, 8.11%, and 14.25%, compared with diesel, STBD25 + 30 ppm CaO, and STBD25 at full load conditions. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) released while using STBD25+Mg-doped CaO in CI engine were observed to decrease compared with STBD25 and STBD25+CaO (by 10.72% and 18.64%) and an increase compared with diesel (by 8.64%).

Biodiesel Production from Sapindus Trifoliatus oil using Mg doped CaO Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst

ABSTRACT Biodiesel has gained increasing attention worldwide as an alternate source of energy that directly replaces fuels from fossil fuels. In this study, the transesterification process is reported using the heterogeneous nanocatalyst Mg-doped CaO for biodiesel production from Sapindus trifoliatus oil. The characterization methods such as FT-IR, XRD, and SEM were used to characterize the synthesized Mg-doped CaO catalyst. Both experimental and conventional methods were adopted to optimize the process parameters in biodiesel production. A maximum biodiesel conversion of 91.75% was obtained under the optimized conditions of temperature 58°C for a time of 73 min with 4% (w/w) catalyst concentration and 15:1 methanol:oil molar ratio. The low reaction temperature and time helped to develop the economically feasible process. For three cycles, the synthesized nanocatalyst was reused efficiently. The biodiesel methyl ester function groups were determined by GC-FID. The biodiesel physicochemical properties were also analyzed and compared with the ASTM standards.

Cardiotoxic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Some Indigenous Plants on American Cockroach: Periplaneta Americana Linn

Abstract: The Cardiotoxic effect of aqueous extract of some indigenous plants is evaluated on American cockroach, Periplaneta Americana Linn as an experimental animal in laboratory conditions. Toxicity of plant extract was determined in terms of LD50 value in the cockroach by tropical application. However, the Cardiotoxic activity was found to be higher in experimental animals as compared to control on exposure to plant extracts and it was dose dependent. Among the plants evaluated Balanites roxburghii Planch, Cestrum nocturnum Linn, Nicotiana tabecum Linn and Sapindus trifoliatus Linn showed highly Cardiotoxic activity causes significant reduction in heart rate. Whereas, Azadirachta indica A. Juss extract shows least activity than remaining experimental plants. This result therefore seems to support the claim that the plant extract contain saponin and glycoside as an active ingredients in them. Keywords: Cardiotoxic, American cockroach, Plant extract, Heart rate, Dose dependent.

Substantial number of albino seedlings of soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus L)

Soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus L) is an important non-timber forest product. Its pericarp is used as soap to clean the hair, ornamentals, silk cloths and wools. A study was carried out to find out the influence of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination in soapnut. During germination, a substantial number of albino seedlings were noticed in the experiment though the seed lot used in this experiment was from single tree source. The total number of albino seedlings recorded was 382 representing about 23 per cent of the total seedling stock raised. Such information would be helpful in ecological and population genetic studies.

A LITERARY REVIEW ON SAPINDUS TRIFOLIATUS (GASPENELA) AND ITS MEDICINAL VALUES

Sapindus trifoliatus is a large tree used in treatment of numerous ailments. Its fruits, known as soap nuts, contain Saponin and are widely used in cosmetics. Fruits, skin of the fruit, seeds and leaves are used in medicine internally and externally. Knowledge on medicinal uses of Sapindus trifoliatus is scattered. Therefore, it was decided to gather and record this dispersed information. Data was collected from Ayurveda and Sri Lankan medical books, journals, physicians and through web search. Sapindus trifoliatus is used to conduct Vamana Karma, Virechana Karma and Nasya Karma. It is used in treatment of migraine, epilepsy, bronchial asthma, cough and burning sensation. It is also used in preparation of body shampoo, hair shampoo and detergents. Anti- ulcer, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, anti-acne and anti-dandruff effect of Sapindus trifoliatus is scientifically proven. Leaf extract was found to be non-toxic up to 2g/kg but frequent administration in high doses elevate in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea and serum creatinine in rats. It is concluded that Sapindus trifoliatus has multifaceted medicinal values.

Biomass-derived porous activated carbon nanofibers from Sapindus trifoliatus nut shells for high-performance symmetric supercapacitor applications

Cost-effective and sustainable high-performance supercapacitor material was successfully prepared from cellulosic waste (Sapindus trifoliatus nut shells) biomass-derived activated carbon (CBAC) by physical activation method. The CBAC displays nanofiber morphology, high specific surface area (786 m2/g), large pore volume (0.212 cm3 g−1) which are evaluated using FESEM, BET and possessed excellent electrochemical behavior analyzed through various electrochemical methods. Moreover, the assembled symmetric CBAC//CBAC device exhibits high specific capacitance of 240.8 F g−1 with current density of 0.2 A g−1 and it is maintained to 65.6 F g−1 at high current density of 2.0 A g−1. In addition, the symmetric device delivers an excellent specific energy maximum of over 30 Wh kg−1 at 400 W kg−1 of specific power and excellent cycling stability in long term over 5000 cycles. The operation of the device was tested by light-emitting diode. Hence, CBAC-based materials pave way for developing large-scale, low-cost materials for energy storage device applications.

Surface Activity of Natural Surfactants Extracted from Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus trifoliatus Soapnuts

Surfactants derived from renewable sources such as plants are an ecological alternative to synthetic surfactants. Aqueous solutions of natural surfactants extracted from soapnuts obtained from two plants, Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus trifoliatus, were studied. Their properties in terms of surface tension reduction and wettability were examinated. The natural surfactants show the ability to reduce the surface tension and increase the wettability of the hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene surface. These nuts can be used repeatedly for washing also in hard water. Crude extracts from Sp. trifoliatus exhibit better surface properties than those from Sp. mukorossi. This makes these soapnuts a good potential source of biosurfactants for household use.

Inhibicija korozije mekog čelika u bunarskoj vodi vodenim ekstraktom sapuna (Sapindus Trifoliatus)

Inhibition efficiency of an aqueous extract of soapnut (Sapindus Trifoliatus) and Zn2+in controlling corrosion of mild steel in well water at room temperature has been evaluated by using weight loss method, polarization study and AC impedance spectra. Dynamic light scattering and Vickers hardness have also been employed. Weight loss method reveals that the formulation consisting of 10 ml soapnut extract and 50 ppm Zn2+ has 97 % inhibition efficiency in controlling corrosion of mild steel immersed in well water. Synergism parameters suggest that a synergistic effect exists between soapnut extract and Zn2+. Adsorption isotherm of metal surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarization study reveals that the inhibitor system functions as anodic type of inhibitor. AC impedance spectra confirm the protective film formed on the metal surface. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) study reveals surface is in nano meter scale. The Vickers hardness of metal surface was increases in inhibitor system.

Effect of supplementation of saponin containing herbs on in vitro methane production under different feeding systems

This study was taken up to assess the effect of herbal feed additives [HFAs; kulthi (Dohichos biflorus), patha (Cissampelos pareria), aritha (Sapindus trifoliatus)] supplemented at 0–3% on DM basis of total mixed rations (TMR) on the in vitro methane production and nutrient fermentation in a 3 × 4 factorial design. TMR with different roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C) of 80:20, 75:25, 70:30 and 65:35 on DM basis were formulated. The roughage portion was made up of wheat straw and maize green fodder in 70:30 ratio. The chemical analysis of HFAs revealed that aritha had the highest concentration of both water and methanol soluble saponins; and condensed tannins (Leucocyanidin). Patha followed by kulthi had the highest concentration of vitamin C, flavonoids, total phenols and true tannins. The digestion kinetic parameters revealed that with the increase in level of concentrate in the diet, irrespective of type and level of supplementation of HFAs, the lag phase for fermentation of diet decreased linearly. The data conclusively revealed that the best response with respect to net gas production (NGP), digestibility of nutrients, methane production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, ME availability and other fermentation parameters from TMRs with different R:C ratios was observed in kulthi and patha supplemented at the rate of 2% of TMR with R:C ratio of 65:35 on DM basis.

Somatic embryogenesis from sepal explants in Sapindus trifoliatus, a plant valuable in herbal soap industry

Somatic embryogenesis and complete plant regeneration were achieved in callus cultures derived from sepal explants of Sapindus trifoliatus, an important and valuable tree used in saponin and herbal soap industry. Embryogenic calli were induced on MS medium containing 5.0mgl−1 2, 4-D and 0.1mgl−1 Kin. Explant orientation markedly influenced on somatic embryogenesis. The calli induced on medium supplemented with 2, 4-D and Kin showed the formation of whitish or greenish nodular embryogenic structure on MS basal medium containing l-glutamine. These nodular embryogenic structures gave rise to somatic embryos or secondary nodular embryogenic structures or both. Nodular embryogenic structures separated from embryogenic calli and transferred to MS medium containing 200mgl−1l-glutamine produced maximum number of globular, heart and cotyledonary stage somatic embryos. Histological studies have revealed the development of different stages of somatic embryos from nodular embryogenic structure. The embryogenic competence of the culture could be maintained by recurrent production of nodular embryogenic structures and somatic embryos. Somatic embryos were germinated and converted into plantlet on MS basal medium containing 2% sucrose. Plants propagated in vitro from somatic embryos were hardened and successfully established in field condition. The improved and promising regeneration method reported here for the S. trifoliatus may be valuable in herbal soap industry.

Evaluating the role of a trypsin inhibitor from soap nut (Sapindus trifoliatus L. Var. Emarginatus) seeds against larval gut proteases, its purification and characterization.

BackgroundThe defensive capacities of plant protease Inhibitors (PI) rely on inhibition of proteases in insect guts or those secreted by microorganisms; and also prevent uncontrolled proteolysis and offer protection against proteolytic enzymes of pathogens.MethodsAn array of chromatographic techniques were employed for purification, homogeneity was assessed by electrophoresis. Specificity, Ki value, nature of inhibition, complex formation was carried out by standard protocols. Action of SNTI on insect gut proteases was computationally evaluated by modeling the proteins by threading and docking studies by piper using Schrodinger tools.ResultsWe have isolated and purified Soap Nut Trypsin Inhibitor (SNTI) by acetone fractionation, ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography. The purified inhibitor was homogeneous by both gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). SNTI exhibited a molecular weight of 29 kDa on SDS-PAGE, gel filtration and was negative to Periodic Acid Schiff’s stain. SNTI inhibited trypsin and pronase of serine class. SNTI demonstrated non-competitive inhibition with a Ki value of 0.75 ± 0.05×10-10 M. The monoheaded inhibitor formed a stable complex in 1:1 molar ratio. Action of SNTI was computationally evaluated on larval gut proteases from Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda. SNTI and larval gut proteases were modeled and docked using Schrodinger software. Docking studies revealed strong hydrogen bond interactions between Lys10 and Pro71, Lys299 and Met80 and Van Der Waals interactions between Leu11 and Cys76amino acid residues of SNTI and protease from H. Armigera. Strong hydrogen bonds were observed between SNTI and protease of S. frugiperda at positions Thr79 and Arg80, Asp90 and Gly73, Asp2 and Gly160 respectively.ConclusionWe conclude that SNTI potentially inhibits larval gut proteases of insects and the kinetics exhibited by the protease inhibitor further substantiates its efficacy against serine proteases.

Bioefficacy of wild plant extract for biological control of insect pests of Bt cotton

Wild plant fruit extract such as hinganbet, Balanites roxburghii , ritthaa/soap nut, Sapindus trifoliatus , shikekaaee, Acacia concinna , Neem, Azadirachta indica , Karanj, Pongamia pinnata and vekhand, Acorus calamus L. were evaluated to screen their efficiency for the control of sucking pests of Bt cotton during Kharif 2009 to 2012 at Cotton Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. All the organic pesticide treatments were superior over untreated control. Among the evaluated organic pesticides the treatment with 5 per cent hingan bet extract @ 2 litre per hectare was observed to be effective in reducing pest population in which aphids, jassids, thrips and whiteflies of 22.68, 8.16, 14.53 and 10.97 per three leaves, respectively, were recorded with the seed cotton yield of 20.77 quintal per hectare. However, this treatment was statistically at par with 5 per cent ritthaa extract @ 2 litre per hectare. The treatment with 5 per cent ritthaa extract recorded aphids, jassids, thrips and whiteflies of 23.16, 9.87, 15.34 and 12.65 per three leaves, respectively, with the seed cotton yield of 20.09 quintal per hectare. The treatment with 5 per cent NSE @ 2 litre per hectare recorded 28.96, 12.61, 17.71 and 15.18 aphids, jassids, thrips and whiteflies per three leaves, respectively, with the seed cotton yield of 12.31 quintal per hectare. The phytotoxicity studies on leaf injury on tips and leaf surface, wilting, vein necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty showed that there was no phytotoxic effect of the evaluated pesticides on cotton crop at the evaluated doses. The counts on natural enemies in the treatments with hinganbet and ritthaa extract were more or less similar to those recorded in untreated control. This clearly indicated that there was no adverse effects on natural enemies due to spraying of hinganbet and ritthhaa extract at evaluated doses.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE GENUS SAPINDUS (SAPINDACEAE) - A REVIEW OF THEIR BOTANY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND TRADITIONAL USES

Objective: Sapindus is a genus of Sapindaceae family comprises three major species: The American spices, Sapindus saponaria and two Asian species, Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus trifoliatus and are well known for their folk medicinal values. Several important studies have been published in the intervening years, which have prompted us to reassess Sapindus. In the current review, we provide a comprehensive over view on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of the species of Sapindus. Methods: A literature survey was performed by searching the scientific data bases Pubmed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science, in addition to traditional Indian medicine and Ayurvedic texts for information on Sapindus. Results: Plants of the genus Sapindus have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of ulcers, external wounds, inflammation, epilepsy, dental caries, arthritis, joint pain, gout and rheumatism. Phytochemical studies of this genus have identified more than 103 compounds. Of these compounds, triterpenoidal saponins of oleanane, dammarane and tirucullane are regarded as the active group that is most likely to be responsible for the observed biological activities. The crude extracts, as well as the isolated compounds, from the genus possess antimicrobial, anticancer, spermicidal, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-migraine, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcerogenic and analgesic properties. Conclusion: It is evident from the available literature that Sapindus species possess potential for use as a beneficial therapeutic remedy. Nevertheless, there is clearly a need for further studies focusing on in-vivo with emphasis on molecular mechanisms and eventually clinical trials.

English

To explore the naturally-occurring antioxidants having anticancer properties from plant origin since oxidants play a crucial role in developing various human diseases. The purpose of this research was to explore the antioxidant and anticancer properties of Sapindus trifoliatus (ST). The dried leaves of S. trifoliatus were ground into coarse powder and were exhaustively extracted with methanol; and the resulting crude methanolic extract (CME) was successively fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate to obtain final extracts of petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and lastly the fractions of aqueous (AQF). Several assays were employed to determine the antioxidant activities, such as, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity assay, ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay. The in vivo anticancer activity of S. trifoliatus was deduced on Ehrlich’s Ascites cell (EAC) induced Swiss albino mice. Majority of the extracts showed strong antioxidant activities related to the standard. Key words: Sapindus trifoliatus, Sapindaceae, free radicals, polyphenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, anticancer activity.

Micropropagation of Sapindus trifoliatus L. and assessment of genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants using RAPD analysis

An efficient in vitro propagation system has been developed for rapid micropropagation of Soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus Linn.), a medicinally and economically important tree from nodal (axillary bud) segments of seedlings. The frequency of shoot regeneration from seedling node explant was influenced by the age of the seedlings, growth regulators and successive transfer of the mother explant. Explants from 4-week-old seedlings yielded the maximum shoot regeneration frequency (97.22%) on full-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l−1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). After harvesting the newly formed shoots, the mother explants transferred to same medium subsequently produced a maximum of 5.16 shoots per explant after third passage. Further improvement in the morphogenic response occurred when the nodal explants excised from in vitro regenerated shoots were employed, and 6.89 shoots per explant were obtained on the same medium after the third subculture. Optimal rooting (91.67%) was obtained by placing the micro-shoots in liquid MS medium with 1.0 mg l−1 IBA for 24 h and then transferring to the agar solidified MS medium devoid of IBA. The micropropagated shoots with well-developed roots were acclimatized and successfully transplanted to soil with 90% survival rate. Genetic stability of the regenerated plants was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The amplification products were monomorphic in micropropagated plants and similar to those of mother plant. No polymorphism was detected revealing the genetic integrity of micropropagated plants. This is the first report of an efficient protocol for regeneration of S. trifoliatus through organogenesis, which can be applied for further genetic transformation assays and pharmaceutical purposes.