STUDIES ON in vitro REGENERATION, PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES IN Chonemorpha fragrans (MOON) ALSTON

The aim of the study was to develop an effective protocol for the in vitro shoot regeneration by direct organogenesis and to analyze its phytochemical and antioxidant activities of Chonemorpha fragrans. Shoot tip and nodal explants were inoculated on B5 medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins individually as well as in combination for shoot induction. Maximum percentage of shoot initiation was observed in 1 mg/L of BAP. The excised in vitro shoots were transferred to the root induction medium and the roots were significantly induced in half strength B5 medium supplemented with 2 mg/L of IBA. The regenerated plants were transferred to sterilized sand, manure and soil rite (1:1:2) for acclimatization and hardening. About 80% of regenerated plants survived in the field conditions. The total phenols, flavonoids and tannin contents were found to be highest in leaf extracts and alkaloid content in stem extracts. The stem extracts showed higher antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Whereas, prominent reducing power activity was recorded in leaf extracts. Our results showed that efficient in vitro regeneration from shoot tip and nodal explants which helps to conserve this medicinally important plant from natural habitat.