Abstract

The present cytological study of callus, induced from mature leaves of Tinospora cordifoliarevealed the presence of somatic embryos at different stages. Induction of embryogenic callus was observed on both MS basal medium and MS supplemented with growth regulators 2, 4-D and BAP. Semisolid as well as liquid growth regulator free medium at higher concentration of sucrose and lower strength of salts favoured precoucious germination of somatic embryos. Anti-microbial activity of aqueous leaf and callus extracts was studied against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The phytochemical contents of callus and that of leaf extract were found to be different. The presence of additional compounds in callus extract may attribute to its activity against Gram positive organisms.

Key words: Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, somatic embryos, callus extract, antimicrobial activity.