In vitro regeneration studies of Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.)

Curcuma caesia, a member of Zingiberaceae family, is a unique perennial aromatic plants distributed in South and Southeast Asia. The most important components of turmeric are curcuminoids which chemically related to its principal ingredient of curcumin. The detailed studies using curcumin include antioxidative, anti inflammatory, anti carcinogenic, anti viral and anti infectious activities, wound healing and detoxifying properties. Plant tissue culture is an appropriate tool for conserving the rare and endangered Curcuma spp. Morphogenetic changes were observed in Curcuma caesia explants in the MS media supplemented with different concentrations of PGRs. Kinetin 1 and 2 mg/l and combination of BAP 1mg/l and Kinetin 1mg/l exhibited a better response.