Adventitious Root Derived Callus Culture And Anthraquinone Production In Gynochthodes Umbellata (L.) Razafim. and B. Bremer (Rubiaceae).

The exploitation of Gynacthodes umbellata roots for anthraquinone extraction increased along with the demand for the compound and has led to the depletion of its natural habitats. As an alternative strategy for the compound production tissue culture techniques were utilized. Callus culture from in vitro derived roots of the plant using different concentrations of the auxins IAA IBA 2,4-D and NAA followed by anthraquinone extraction and its quantification was done spectrophotometrically using alizarine as a standard IAA, IBA and NAA showed promotory effect on callusing and anthraquinone production while 2,4 D expressed an inhibitory role. 2 mg/l IAA proved to be the best auxin concentration for anthraquinone production from in vitro derived callus culture of the plant. The study revealed an efficient strategy as well as the best hormone concentration for this medicinally and industrially important natural dye production from the plant which can be further utilized for the enhanced production of the compound thereby conserving the plant in its natural habitat.