In vitro mass multiplication and estimation of camptothecin (CPT) in Ophiorrhiza mungos L. var. angustifolia (Thw.) Hook. f.

Ophiorrhiza mungos var. angustifolia, is a herbaceous medicinal plant (Rubiaceae) distributed in the southern Western Ghats of India. The plant contains a high value anticancer alkaloid, Camptothecin (CPT). High frequency in vitro regeneration was achieved through node and shoot apex explants cultured in half strength Murashige and Skoog (HMS) solid medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs).The highest number of shoots (22 ± 3.90 shoots/explant) was obtained from the nodal explant cultured in media containing 8.88 μM N6-benzyl adenine (BA). Further multiplication of shoot was possible through repeated subcultures of shoot clusters in medium containing same hormonal combination. The shoots were rooted in half strength MS solid medium devoid of PGRs in 45 days and deflasked for hardening and further establishment was done in plastic pots filled with sand and garden soil (1:1, v:v) under the shade net house with 95% survival. Camptothecin content was also determined by HPLC and recorded 0.14 mg/g Dry Weight (DW). The results suggest the possibility of using in vitro regenerated plants as a possible alternative source for CPT without harming the natural population.