Biotechnological and biochemical investigations in Cassia tora L.

Cassia tora L. is a leguminous plant that fixes atmospheric nitrogen and plays an important role in enhancement of soil fertility. C.tora L. has an immense medicinal value being used as a traditional medicine in Indian and Chinese system of medicine.Keeping in mind the economic and medicinal importance of this plant we decided to investigate it through in vitro studies. During the present research endeavor, rapid and reproducible regeneration system for the development and multiplication of shoots was developed,which were further raised into plantlets successfully. This was achieved through axillary and apical meristem cultures. Somatic embryo-genesis is an alternative method for rapid micro-propagation.During the present studies,somatic embryos were developed from leaf explants via callus formation. Total protein content from in vivo (leaves, roots, seeds) and in vitro (callus) plant parts were studied and their protein profile were prepared by using gel electrophoresis technique.he antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of this plant were evaluated and a flavonoid (quercetin) and an anthraquinone (emodin) were isolated from the in vivo leaves and in vitro callus of C. tora L.