Objective: This is the first attempt for an efficient plant regeneration protocol through in vitro direct organogenesis for a valuable medicinal plant, Dipteracanthus prostratus using nodal segment. Methods: Multiple shoots were induced from nodal explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with kinetin (KIN), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Results: Maximum shoot responses (80%) were obtained with kinetin at 1.0 mg-1. The rate of shoot multiplication was maintained in subsequent subculture on similar fresh culture medium. The highest shoot length (3.96cm) was obtained with seventy three percentages of shoots at 0.2 mg-1 NAA along with 1.0 mg-1 kinetin. Maximum length of root (3.63cm) was formed at 0.5 mg-1 IBA with significant responses (80%). Rooted plantlets were then transferred to perforated plastic cups and grown in the green house at 80% survival rate. Conclusions: The highest survival rate was noticed and this plant developmental protocol could be used for large- scale regeneration of D. prostratus.

The aim of this review was to explore the pharmacological activity of early tracheophytes (pteridophytes) as an alternative medicine for treating human ailments. As the first vascular plants, pteridophytes (aka, ferns and fern allies) are an ancient lineage, and human beings have been exploring and using taxa from this lineage for over 2000 years because of their beneficial properties. We have documented the medicinal uses of pteridophytes belonging to thirty different families. The lycophyte Selaginella sp. was shown in earlier studies to have multiple pharmacological activity, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-Alzheimer properties. Among all the pteridophytes examined, taxa from the Pteridaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Adiantaceae exhibited significant medicinal activity. Based on our review, many pteridophytes have properties that could be used in alternative medicine for treatment of various human illnesses. Biotechnological tools can be used to preserve and even improve their bioactive molecules for the preparation of medicines against illness. Even though several studies have reported medicinal uses of ferns, the possible bioactive compounds of several pteridophytes have not been identified. Furthermore, their optimal dosage level and treatment strategies still need to be determined. Finally, the future direction of pteridophyte research is discussed.
Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology* ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology* ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Tracheophyta/chemistry*