In Vitro Regeneration of Exacum wightianum Arn. (Gentianaceae)- An Endemic Medicinal Plant From The Nilgiris, Western Ghats.

Exacum wightianum Arn. (Gentianaceae) is an endemic medicinal plant from the Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. Indirect regeneration of E. wightianum was obtained through organogenesis in callus culture. Axial bud explants were found to be best suited for callus induction on MS medium supplemented with BA + NAA (2.0+0.03 mg/L). Multiple shoots originated from callus obtained from the axial buds. were multiplied by subculture on the same medium. Maximum shoot regeneration was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BA with NAA (2.0+0.5 mg/L), and up to 25shoots was observed within 2 weeks.

In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Exacum wightianum Arn. (Gentianaceae)- An Endemic Medicinal Plant.

The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol, methanol and chloroform extracts of Exacum wightianum, was evaluated by carrageenan induced rat paw odema method. The dose effects of 200 mg/kg b.wt. of the ethanolic, methanolic and chloroform extracts of E. wightianum was more active than 100 mg/kg b.wt. and found to be statistically significant. In acute inflammation as produced by carrageenan 72.30% and 86.89% protection was observed in methanol extract of E. wightianum. These extracts did not show any sign of toxicity up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg.bw in rats.The results suggested that the methanolic extract of E. wightianum has exhibited an effective anti-inflammatory activity mediated via either by inhibition of cyclooxygenase cascade and by blocking the release of vasoactive substances like histamine, serotonin and kinins. The results also justified the use of this plant in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of inflammation.