Abstract

Callus culture of Cassia occidentalis L. was studied using nodal explants. Maximum callus induction was obtained on basal MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (5 mg/l) and Kinetin (0.02 mg/l). Sigmoid pattern of growth was obtained with highest growth index was 6^th week and lowest at 2^nd week of subculture. Analysis of plant parts revealed maximum content of flavonoids in leaves of C. occidentalis (1.95 mg/gdw) and minimum in stem (1.24 mg/gdw). Callus culture of C. occidentalis showed more total flavonoid content (2.01 mg/gdw) than the plant parts. Plant parts and in vitro cultures were studied for their antioxidant potential using DPPH assay. Among the plant parts the highest activity was found to be of leaves and lowest in seeds. The antioxidant potential of in vitro grown callus (IC₅₀-155 µg/ml) was almost at par with leaves (IC₅₀-150 µg/ml).

Keywords: Antioxidant, callus culture, Cassia occidentalis, flavonoids.

Graphical Abstract