Tinospora cordifolia is an important and commercially exploited medicinal plant species found in natural habitats of NE India. In an experiment of micropropagation of this species, the formation of multiple shoots in high frequency was achieved in nodal explants culture. MS basal medium was used throughout the experiments with different combinations and concentrations of BAP, Kinetin and IAA. Combination of BAP (8.88 mM) and Kinetin (18.59 mM) in MS medium gave a maximum average of 14.9 shoots per explants. Individual shoots from about seven-weeks-old multiple shoot cultures were separated and implanted in half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA for rooting. Root initiation was noticed after 5-6 days and it became profuse after 10 weeks. The rooted plantlets were transferred to half strength liquid MS medium without any hormone for 15 days. Thereafter, they were transferred to pots containing sterilized mixture of soil and vermicompost (2:1) and then established in field. The survival percentage of rooted plants on soil was found to be 85%. The protocol standardized through this study demonstrated the possibility of developing an efficient in vitro propagation system for successful mass propagation of Tinospora cordifolia. The results were interpreted and supported with necessary statistical analysis, figures and photographs.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F. & Th., is a large deciduous succulent climber and belongs to the family Menispermaceae. It is distributed throughout tropical Indian subcontinent and China, ascending to an altitude of 300 m (Hooker, 1872; and Kanjilal et al., 1934). In India, it is commonly known as Giloe or Giloya (Hindi) and Saguni-lota (Assamese). The species is widely used in various Indian systems of medicines. It is used in a number of formulations of ayurvedic system of medicine for its general tonic, antispasmodic, antiperiodic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antiarthritic and antidiabetic properties. The root of the plant is known for its anti-stress, anti-leprotic and antimalarial activities (Nadkarni and Nadkarni, 1976). Leaves being rich in protein and fairly rich in calcium and phosphorus can be used as fodder. It is also used in general debility, dyspepsia, fevers and urinary diseases (Anonymous, 1992).

The roots and stems of Giloe are prescribed in combination with other drugs as an antidote to snake bite and scorpion sting (Kirtikar and Basu, 1975). The extract of the stem is useful in treating skin diseases (Raghunathan and Mittra, 1982; and Aiyer and Kolammal, 1983). The stem is reported to be bitter, stomachic, diuretic; stimulates bile secretion; causes constipation; allays thirst, burning sensation and vomiting; enriches the blood; and cures jaundice (Nayampalli et al., 1986). Dry barks of the plant have anti-spasmodic, antipyretic (Ikram et al., 1987), antiinflammatory (Raj and Gupta, 1966; and Pendse et al., 1977), and anti-leprotic properties (Asthana et al., 2001). Recently, the use of T. Cordifolia in the preparation of ayurvedic medicine for treating diabetes mellitus (Prince and Menon, 1999; and Stanley et al., 2001) was reported. The plant is also extensively used in ethno-medicinal practices in India and more particularly in NE India, comprising the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura (Handique, 1994).

Genetics & Evolution Journal, Micropropagation, Nodal Explants, Giloe, Tinospora Cordifolia, Ethno-medicinal Practices, National Medicinal Plants Board, NMPB, Gymnema Sylvestre, Phenol Exudates, Anti-leprotic and Antimalarial Activities, Menispermaceae, Statistical Analysis.