INDUCED MUTATIONS FOR INCREASED GUM CONTENT IN CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA

Cassia angustifolia commonly known as Tinnevelly Senna, is a well known source of sennosides. In addition, it was found to contain gum which was comparable to others utilised in pharmaceutical industry. Hence, effects of gamma radiations, ethyl methane sulfonate and sodium azide on the gum content in Senna were investigated. There was considerable enhancement in the gum content with 10, 20 and 30 kR of gamma rays. Ethyl methane sulfonate 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15% also enhanced the gum content compared to control, however, the gum content was maximum in the plants treated with 0.1% ethyl methane sulfonate. While, with 0.002, 0.004 and 0.006% sodium azide, there was only a marginal increase of ash in the plants with enhanced gum. Utilisation of the plants with higher gum content can make Cassia angustifolia a feasible dual source of gum and sennosides.