Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl.: Production of Protocorm-Like Body (PLB) Biomass and Bioactive Compounds

Dendrobium candidum Wall ex Lindl. is a popular medicinal orchid widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. This species has become rare in nature, and therefore, plant tissue culture methods have been followed for regeneration, conservation, and utilization. In vitro protocorm-like body (PLB) regeneration is achieved in Dendrobium candidum and PLB biomass is utilized in medicinal, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The protocol for PLB regeneration from shoots of Dendrobium candidum and the proliferation of PLB biomass in Erlenmeyer flasks and bioreactors are presented here. The methods of extraction and estimation of polysaccharides, phenolic, flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, and estimation of antioxidant activity have also been elucidated.