Abstract: The invention provides a simple method for isolation of calliterpenone (16?,17 dihydroxy-3-oxo phyllocladane), a phyllocladane diterpenoid with the plant growth regulating properties, from plant genus Callicarpa.

Abstract: A bio-reactor for enhancing the biomass yield using a closed sterile vessel having a medium, said reactor comprising a central shaft, a support matrix oriented horizontally and dividing the vessel into an upper and a lower chamber, a means for stirring selected from turbine-2,4,6-impeller; marine blade impeller; helical blade impeller; mounted onto the central shaft and located at a predetermined distance from the support matrix so as to generate both radially and axially directed volumetric flow of the media; and at least two semi-circular spargers located both in the upper and lower compartments of the vessel at a predetermined distance from the support matrix.

Abstract: A bio-reactor for enhancing the biomass yield using a closed sterile vessel having a medium, said reactor comprising a central shaft, a support matrix oriented horizontally and dividing the vessel into an upper and a lower chamber, a means for stirring selected from turbine-2,4,6-impeller; marine blade impeller; helical blade impeller; mounted onto the central shaft and located at a predetermined distance from the support matrix so as to generate both radially and axially directed volumetric flow of the media; and at least two semi-circular sparges located both in the upper and lower compartments of the vessel at a predetermined distance from the support matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a compound (+) catechin penta acetate of formula I from Taxus wallichiana tissue cultures which comprises : (a) inoculation of explants on different media compositions supplemented with combinations of auxins (1-5 mg/l) and cytokinins (0.1-1.0 mg/l); (b) incubation of the cultures under continuous light or dark conditions for 4-6 weeks for callus cultures followed by subculturing at 4-6 weeks intervals; (c) harvesting of the calli at different growth phases ranging from 12-36 months; (d) extraction of fresh pulverized calli with polar solvents at room temperature; (e) evaporating the solvent to give a residue; and partitioning of the residue between water and chlorinated solvents and evaporating the solvent to a semisolid mass; (f) subjecting the resultant mass to column chromatography over suitable adsorbent and (g) eluting with organic solvent/mixtures of organic solvents to get (+) catechin penta acetate.