Articles
GERMINATION OF BALA (SIDA CORDIFOLIA L., MALVACEAE), AN AYURVEDIC PLANT
Article number
860_33
Pages
219 – 222
Language
English
Abstract
Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae), commonly known as bala or Indian ephedra, is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of illnesses and is used in food supplements for loosing weight.
Bala roots, the parts traditionally used, reportedly accumulate high levels of ephedrine, while the leaves contain the quinolizidine alkaloids vasicine, vasicinone and vasicinol.
To efficiently propagate the plant and create cultivars with desirable chemical profiles, a methodology for efficient seed germination was needed.
We have developed a quick and reliable germination procedure for S. cordifolia seeds that is based on boiling and freezing pre-treatments enabling a 50% germination rate.
Bala roots, the parts traditionally used, reportedly accumulate high levels of ephedrine, while the leaves contain the quinolizidine alkaloids vasicine, vasicinone and vasicinol.
To efficiently propagate the plant and create cultivars with desirable chemical profiles, a methodology for efficient seed germination was needed.
We have developed a quick and reliable germination procedure for S. cordifolia seeds that is based on boiling and freezing pre-treatments enabling a 50% germination rate.
Publication
Authors
R. Krizevski, E. Lewinsohn
Keywords
ephedrine, seed germination
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