Sauropus androgynus (Phyllanthaceae) is an underutilized plant with high nutrient and antioxidant properties. Though traditionally used for food and medicinal purposes, its value is still underutilized for mankind. Developing tissue culture techniques for Sauropus androgynus will permit the application of biotechnology to its culture, and potential for exploitation of phytochemicals that it contains as potential medicine for many remedies. In this study, the effect of type, concentration and ratio of growth regulators on callus regeneration has been investigated. Juvenile leaves will be utilized as explants which were surface sterilized in 70% ethanol for 1 minute followed by 20% Clorox for 20 minutes. The growth regulators dicamba (3, 6- dichloro-2-metaxibenzoic acid) and NAA (α- naphthalene acetic acid) in combination with kinetin (N6-furfuryladenine) were supplemented to MS basal medium at different concentrations. There was a significant difference between the growth regulator concentrations in inducing callus. Callus regeneration was comparatively high in 2mg/l NAA and 1 mg/l kinetin. The callus obtained was friable and greenish white in color. Most of the cultures turned brown when the growth hormones dicamba, NAA and kinetin were used individually and also in a combination of dicamba with kinetin. Browning in culture material indicated the release of phenolic compounds. Further research should be concentrated on reducing the browning effect in culture.
