<i>In vitro</i> propagation and free radical studies of <i>Smilax zeylanica</i>Vent

Abstract

A method of micropropagation through multiple shoots formation from nodal segments of Smilax zeylanica Vent. has been developed. The nodal explants were cultured on half strength MS medium containing BA (0.5 mg/l) and IAA (1 mg/l) with activated charcoal (100 mg/100 ml) produced single shoot within 7-10 days. Shoots were multiplied by using nodal segments of in vitro regenerated shoot in modified half strength MS medium supplemented with KIN (2 mg/l), L-Glu (0.5 mg/l) and activated charcoal (100 mg/100 ml). Two shoots were formed. Rooting of the microshoots was achieved in half strength MS medium fortified with IBA (1 mg/l) within three weeks. The rooted plantlets transferred to potting medium containing vermiculite, sand and coir pith (1:1:1). Survival of the plantlets under ex vitro condition was 70%. In vitro antioxidant activities of leaf and stem extracts were performed. Among the extracts tested, ethanol extract of the stem showed maximum DPPH (52.361%) scavenging activity and chloroform extract of stem inhibited hydroxyl radical mediated linoleic acid oxidation up to 50.87%. Ethanol extract of leaf showed maximum reducing power of 0.53. The total free phenolics were found to be 293.3 g in the ethanol extract of leaf.