Present review article reveals the importance of species Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, distributed in India and other parts of the world, this extensive research information on this species is highly significant for future researchers worldwide. In this article cytomorphological, phytochemical and biological activities inputs have been extensively recorded and discussed. As a part of our investigation on cytomorphological and phytochemical aspects for important medicinal plants from India, the aim of this pioneer attempt is to provide precise, truthful and detailed information of W. somnifera (L.). As per our knowledge, there is not even a single, combined, constructive review report available about this species, evaluated by using cytomorphological, phytochemical and biological activities based aspects.

No abstract

The present research work reports the cytomorphological evaluation and an efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagation of an endemic, endangered and threatened herb Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Mandukparni) from Himachal Pradesh, India. Plant species is a potent memory enhancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticancerous and also reported to have cardiovascular properties and used to cure chronic hepatitis disorders. Eight morphometric characters for each 10 different accessions were extensively studied, but no new morphotype was reported. As per the cytology, the present report (2n = 18) confirmed the earlier chromosome counts from India and abroad. As there is an important need to preserve this plant species and to make it available all over the year to pharmaceutical industries without causing loss of germplasm from the wild region, efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol through nodal explant has been developed. As per the results, the highest percentage of multiple shoot induction was 90.20 showing average 16.3 number of shoots on the medium augmented with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l Kn. Whereas, the combined concentration of 1.0 mg/l NAA + 1.0 mg/l IBA showed highest 92.2% root induction with average 16.5 number of roots per shoot. The survival rate of these plantlets under green house condition was 80%. This protocol can be used for further regeneration and genetic transformation studies in Centella

No abstract