Description

We present a method for large scale multiplication of Prithakparni, Uraria picta (Jacq) Desv ex DC. It was achieved from nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with BA and TDZ. U. picta is a valuable medicinal plant, used as an antidote against the bites of certain vipers, for fracture healing, in treatment of cough, chills and fevers, gonorrhea, primary neurological disorder. It is also an indispensable component of ayurvedic formulations 'Dashmularistha', a known tonic and 'Abana', useful in the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia and angina. It is source of phytochemicals which were exhibiting a range of biological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, hepatoprotection properties due to the free radical scavenging ability. Natural regeneration of Uraria picta is hampered due to poor seed viability and low percentage of germination. However, large scale production is a prerequisite to meet the pharmaceutical needs and also for the effective conservation of this valuable medicinal plant. Through this procedure about 196 plantlets were generated from single nodal explant over two subcultures.