In vitro withanolide production by Withania somnifera L. cultures.

In vitro multiple shoots, root, callus and cell suspension cultures of Withania somnifera exhibited the potentiality to produce pharmacologically active withanolides. Multiple shoots cultures exhibited an increase in withanolide A accumulation compared to shoots of the mother plant. In vitro generated root cultures as well as callus and suspension cultures also produced withanolides albeit at lower levels.