| Abstract: | The present study reports an efficient protocol for indirect shoot organogenesis and plantlets regeneration of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and
combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The highest callus induction rate (89.5 %) and shoot
regeneration rate (92 %) were obtained when 2 mg dm−3 BAP was combined with 0.5 mg dm−3 IAA. Three major withanolides (withaferine A, 12-deoxywithastramonolide and withanolide A) were investigated in different
plant organs from in vitro and greenhouse grown plants. Leaves contained higher contents of withanolides and phenolics than roots or stems, whereas
roots contained the highest contents of flavonoids and polysacharides. In vitro grown plants contained greater contents of phenolics, flavonoids and polysaccharides while lower contents of withanolides
than greenhouse grown plants. |
