Somatic Embryogenesis in Nothapodytes foetida: A Potent Antineoplastic Plant
M. Anuradha
No. 31, Old No. 46/A, Rishi Herbal Technologies, Lalbagh Main Road, Bangalore-560 027, India
B.K. Indu
Plant Tissue Culture Division, Department of Botany, St. Joseph�s P. G. & Research Centre, Langford Road, Bangalore-560 027
Rinku Rajani *
Plant Tissue Culture Division, Department of Botany, St. Joseph�s P. G. & Research Centre, Langford Road, Bangalore-560 027
K.M. Divakar
Plant Tissue Culture Division, Department of Botany, St. Joseph�s P. G. & Research Centre, Langford Road, Bangalore-560 027
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
An attempt was made to devise a protocol for somatic embryogenesis in Nothapodytes foetida (Wight) Sleumer, a potent anticancer threatened medicinal tree. Somatic embryogenesis was established from callus cultures derived from isolated embryos cultured in vitro. Direct embryogenesis was also recorded from cotyledons of the cultured embryos. Embryogenic masses were extracted and analyzed for the presence of Camptothecin and 9-methoxy camptothecin, which are efficient and proven anticancer agents. These embryos matured and germinated into plantlets upon transfer to Murashige and Skoog�s (MS) basal medium with a conversion rate of about 80 %.
Keywords: Anticancer compounds, Camptothecin, Embryogenic callus, Nothapodytes foetida