Cytogenetical Studies of Some Members of Apocynaceae

Abstract

This paper deals with the cytological studies of Thevetia peruviana (3 varieties), Holarrhena antidysenterica, Carissa spinarum, C. bispinosa, C. carandas, Nerium indicum, (6 varieties) and Alstonia scholaris. All these genera are members of family Apocynaceae. Artificially induced tetraploids were obtained in Thevetia peruviana and Nerium indicum. These plants contain important alkaloids and extracts from different plant parts are used as medicines for the treatment of certain diseases. Recently ‘peruvin’ has been extracted from Thevetia peruviana which is being used as a cure for cardiac disease. Bark extract and seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica are used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea etc. Fruits of Carissa carandas are used as pickles. © 1977, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.