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The root production remained unaffected due to conservation, showing high
rooting activity in mannitol and low temperature treatments. Preset low temperature regimen
(15 oC and 10 oC) and reduction in media constituents do not appear to favor
conservation, although the former accomplished conservation levels equal to FMS under SCC.
Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merrill is a perennial branching climber found in several
parts of India. This species, commonly known as `antamul' grows as wild climber in
Assam, West Bengal, Orissa and the peninsular India, ascending to an altitude of 900 m.
The distribution is mostly restricted in the southern region of the country where it has
been reported to thrive best in sandy soil. This indigenous medicinal plant has multiple
uses. The roots and leaves of this plant have long been used for the treatment of
asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, dysentery, rheumatic gout pains and
hydrophobia (Anonymous, 1976). Roots are known to possess bacteriostatic properties (Bhutaniet al., 1985). The roots and leaves are emetic, useful in overloaded states of the
stomach and other cases requiring the use of emetics. Leaves and roots have often been
employed as substitute for Ipecacuanha. The root of the plant contains a potential antitumor
alkaloid tylophorinidine, besides these other alkaloids such as tylophorine and
tylophorinine found in other parts of the plant (Chitnis et al., 1992). The pharmacological activity
is attributed mainly to the alkaloids tylophorine and tylophorinine and therefore it
was suggested to be a good natural preservative for food.
In addition to its therapeutic value, the plant is reported to yield a fine silky and
strong fiber, which may be useful in the manufacture of
extra fine fabrics (Anonymous, 1976). Due to overexploitation and lack of organized cultivation the wild populations of this
species have rapidly declined. The earlier studies on T. indica have largely been restricted to
monitor alkaloid synthesis in callus and protoplast cultures and regenerated plants
(Rao et al., 1970; and Rao and Narayanaswamy,
1972). A protocol for rapid in-vitro multiplication of T. indica was developed (Sharma and Chandel, 1992). In-vitro conservation studies are essential because it is figuring in the red list of medicinal plants of India, natural populations
are dwindling and therapeutic values are well-established, mostly from roots and leaves
(FRLHT, 1999).
For rare species, which are declining, in
situ conservation alone may not provide adequate protection (Rajora and Mossier, 2000). Tissue culture and
cryopreservation provides excellent avenues for ex situ conservation of this species. Low
temperature storage of in-vitro plant material is commonly used for conservation of plant
germplasm (Pruski et al., 2000). This method, if properly adjusted to specific genotypes
can substantially reduce labor and media costs. The present paper deal with in-vitro regeneration and conservation
of T. indica, as a possible approach to conserve genetic diversity
of this species. |
