Abstract

Bacopa monniera (L.) Wettst. (Scrophulariaceae) is a small creeping herb with numerous branches, small oblong leaves, and light purple flowers. The entire plant is medicinally important as it contains triterpene saponins. Important saponins include Bacosides A₁, bacosides A₃, bacosaponins A, B, C, D, E & F. The constituents responsible for Bacopa’s cognitive effects are bacosides A and B. In the present investigation, attempt has been made for the development of the novel in vitro methods of propagation. Explants were aseptically cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and plant medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins like 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), 6-Benzyl Adenine (6-BA) and Kinetin, individually as well as in combinations. Calli were also subjected to elicitation treatment. After 6^th passage, calli were subjected to extraction and phytochemical screening. Out of various hormonal combinations, the MS medium supplemented with 6 BA (2ppm) + IAA (1ppm) was found to be the most effective for induction of Yellowish green callus, within 15 days. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of callus showed the presence of Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Phenolic compounds and Tannins, Flavonoids, Proteins and free amino acids, Saponins, Steroids and Terpenoids.

Keywords: Bacopa monniera, callus culture, elicitation, bacosides.