Abstract

QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF PHYTOSTEROLS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO FROM CYPERUS ROTUNDUS

Krishna Samariya and *Renu Sarin

ABSTRACT

Cyperus rotundus (Linn.) is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Cyperaceae. The present investigation showed presence of three sterols namely β-sitosterol, Stigmasterol and Campesterol in the leaves, rhizome and callus cultures of this plant These compounds are extensively used in Ayurvedic preparation of medicines and are highly in demand in pharmaceutical industries. The present study therefore was undertaken to determine and compare the production of these sterols from in vitro callus culture and in vivo plant parts of C. rotundus. Quantification data revealed that the amount of total sterols (-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol) was higher in leaves (1.71 mg/g.dw) in comparison to rhizome (0.90 mg/g.dw).. The sterol content was found to increase in callus cultures upto 2.52mg/g.dw which was quite significant in comparison to plant parts (leaves and rhizome).

Keywords: Cyperus rotundus ?-sitosterol, Stigmasterol. Campesterol.