In vitro propagation of Valeriana jatamansi

Valeriana jatamansi Jones is an important medicinal plant. This wild herb is being exploited for its roots and rhizomes which contain valepotriates, which are highly effective against leprosy. The aim of this study was to establish a practical method for rapid and large-scale multiplication of V. jatamansi by induction of shoot proliferation from shoot buds. The sterilized explants were established on solid medium supplemented with benzyl adenine alone or in combination with indole-acetic acid or naphthalene acetic acid. The buds cultured on nutrient medium supplemented with BA and IAA or NAA formed shoots, which after 3-4 weeks produced roots on the same medium. One hundred per cent survival was obtained on hardening and field establishment of well rooted shoots. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.