Reserpine Accumulation in NaCl Treated Calli of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.

Selwyn Anitha and B.D. Ranjitha Kumari*

ABSTRACT: Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. is an endangered plant, known for its medicinal properties. It contains various indole group alkaloids with reserpine most prominent among them. Reserpine is a hypotensive agent that is in great demand for the modern pharmaceutical industries. In the present work, leaf explants were induced to produce calli by using the phytohormones 2,4-D, NAA, IBA and IAA. Among these, 9 µM 2,4-D was found suitable for maximum callus induction (95%). The calli produced in this hormone concentration were subjected to NaCl salt treatment (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM) and the effect of salinity on callus growth and reserpine accumulation was observed. The callus growth was normal up to 50 mM concentration of NaCl and there was a reduction in growth of the calli at 75 mM salt treatment whereas at 100 mM concentration complete cessation of callus growth was noticed. An increase in reserpine accumulation was noticed with increases measured up to 75 mM NaCl concentration.

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Department of Plant Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli – 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India.

* Corresponding author, E-mail: ranjithakumari2004@yahoo.co.in

Received 4 Jan 2006, Accepted 17 Apr 2006