Selection and Micropropagation of an Elite Melatonin Rich Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) Germplasm Line

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) is a sacred plant of medicinal and spiritual significance in many cultures. Medicinal properties are ascribed to its phytochemicals with antioxidant capabilities. The current study was undertaken screen large seed population select germplasm lines high potential standardize protocols for micropropagation biomass production produce phytochemically consistent crop. A total 80 were established under vitro conditions screened their determined the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) bioassay. selected line, named Vrinda, using nodal cultures grown on Murashige Skoog medium containing benzylaminopurine (1.1 µM), gibberellic acid (0.3 activated charcoal (0.6%). phytohormones melatonin serotonin quantified field greenhouse tissues Vrinda levels found be both higher conditions. This integrated approach combining selection propagation offers applications development safe, effective, novel natural health products Tulsi, other species.