Germination of bala (Sida cordifolia L., Malvaceae), an Ayurvedic plant

R. Krizevski, E. Lewinsohn

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    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.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationActa Horticulturae
    PublisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
    Pages219-222
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)9789066052703
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 28 Feb 2010

    Publication series

    NameActa Horticulturae
    Volume860
    ISSN (Print)0567-7572

    Keywords

    • Ephedrine
    • Seed germination

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Horticulture

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