Ex Situ Conservation Method for Clerodendrum inerme: A medicinal plant of India

Abstract

Clerodendrum inerme L. (Verbenaceae), commonly known as vanajai or garden quinine is a perennial shrub. Leaves and roots of the plant are used in rheumatism and skin diseases. In Indian classical literature the plant is also reported as a substitute of quinine. Since root of the plant is used as drug, whole plant has to be destroyed; this has resulted in the depletion of the plant population. Present investigation was taken up to establish a protocol for mass production of better quality plant material, using axillary bud multiplication. The protocol will help in ex situ conservation of the plant. Maximum number of multiplied axillary bud was observed in 16 M 6-benzyladenine (BA) with 3% sucrose. After elongation, regenerated micro-shoots were rooted in MS medium in absence of plant growth regulators (PGR). The rooted plantlets showed 100% field survival. The regenerated plants showed similar phytochemical profile as mother plant when compared.

Keywords: Clerodendrum inerme, finger print profile, micropropogation