Abstract

“PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTRIZATION AND IN VITRO SEEDS GERMINATION AND PLANTLETS DEVELOPMENT OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (RETZ.) R.BR. EX. SCHULT.”

Rajni Ranjan and S. S. Deokule*

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex. Schult. belongs to family Asclepiadaceae. It is a perennial woody climber and found in tropical and subtropical regions of India. It is commonly known as Gurmar. The present paper reveals the botanical standardization on leaf of Gymnema sylvestre. The pharmacognostic studies include the phytochemistry, histochemistry, microscopic, macroscopic evaluation, percentage extractives, ash and acid insoluble ash, fluorescence analysis and estimation of Protein, Carbohydrate and Flavonoid. The phytochemical and histochemical test includes starch, proteins, Saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, sugar and flavonoid. Due to increase in demand and destructive harvesting, the plant has become vulnerable. Hence micro propagation has been done by using various combinations of auxin and Cytokinins. The different auxins used are IAA and IBA and cytokinin used are BA and Kinetin. About 70% seed germination were achieved on MS medium within 30 days with a desirable shoot and number of roots. MS medium containing 0.2 mg L-1 Kinetin, 0.2+0.5+0.1 and 0.5+0.5+0.2mg L-1 BA+ Kinetin+ IBA showing good results for Shoot and root induction and 0.2+0.5+0.5mg L-1 BA+Kinetin+IAA showing good result for seed germination. The developed plantlets were transferred into pot having sterile soil + sand in the ratio of 3:1 in the laboratory. These were kept under observation for 15 days and finally transplanted for hardening in the garden. All transplanted seedlings showed satisfactory growth and all are surviving.

Keywords: Gymnema sylvestre, Pharmacognosy, In Vitro, Plantlets, Seed germination.