Enhanced podophyllotoxin production from Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformed cultures of Podophyllum hexandrum.

Podophyllotoxin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent is obtained from Podophyllum hexandrum Royle. Embryos of P. hexandrum were transformed using different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes viz. A4, 15834, K599. Transformed nature of the calli was ascertained and the cultures were further maintained as individual clones. HPLG analysis of transformed cultures depicted a three-fold increase in podophyllotoxin content in comparison to controls.