IN-VITRO PROPAGATION OF CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FROM CAPITULUM INFLORESCENCE: A MEDICINAL PLANT WITH MULTIPLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

A protocol has been developed for induction of somatic embryogenesis from whole inflorescence explants of Chamomilla recutita L. (chamomile). Chamomile is a well-known medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family often referred to as the “star among medicinal species.” Nowadays, it is a highly favoured medicinal plant in folk and traditional medicine. Its multitherapeutic, cosmetic and nutritional values have been established through the years of traditional and scientific use and research. Chamomile has an established domestic (Indian) and international market, which is increasing day by day. Among the various major constituents, α-bisabolol and chamazulene have been reported to be more useful than others. Chamazulene occurs in the capitula of the flowers in minute quantities and has been demonstrated to exert antiinflammatory activity in-vivo. Moreover, chamomile is a seasonal 4-5 months winter crop in India but is extensively required in various medicinal applications. Therefore, to increase the overall yield of this plant, its in-vitro propagation is needed. In the present study, somatic embryos were developed from capitulum explants after 2-4 weeks of culture on MS medium supplemented with 26.8 µM NAA and 11.5 µM Kin. The somatic embryos were further subcultured in-vitro, where new plantlets regenerated from embryos. It is concluded that in-vitro propagation is possible in case of chamomile and can be used to increase the overall yield of chamazulene present in the capitula of flowers as well as augment the overall yield of this important plant, which is conventionally propagated by seeds.