An efficient callus induction and in vitro regeneration were developed using plant growth regulators, carbon sources, and basal media for three selected Malaysian wetland rice varieties (MR220, MR220-CL2, and MR232) and one upland variety (Bario). Effect of plant growth regulator (PGR) was carried out using four different concentrations (1–4 mg/L) of 2,4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), and NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid) (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 mg/L) with optimized 2,4-D. Effects of carbon sources (maltose and sorbitol), and basal media (MS, N6, and LS) were also studied with optimized PGR to maximize the induction of regenerable calli. This study found that all four varieties exhibited high frequency of callus induction on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium that was supplemented with 3 mg/L 2,4-D and 30 g/L maltose. Callus induction frequencies in the cases of MR220, MR220-CL2, MR232, and Bario were found to be 76%, 94%, 85%, and 42% respectively. Morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological analysis revealed the embryogenicity of the induced callus. In the regeneration study, it was observed that combination of 2 mg/L BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), 2 mg/L Kin (Kinetin) and 0.5 mg/L NAA supplemented MS medium has the potential to promote regeneration of selected indica rice varieties with higher regeneration percentage, i.e., 82% (MR220-CL2), 68% (both in MR220 and MR232), and 40% (Bario). The optimized conditions for callus formation and regeneration can be useful for biotechnological practices for the genetic improvement of Malaysian indica rice.

Labisia pumila is a precious herb in Southeast Asia that is traditionally used as a health supplement and has been extensively commercialized due to its claimed therapeutic properties in boosting a healthy female reproductive system. Indigenous people used these plants by boiling the leaves; however, in recent years it has been marketed as powdered or capsuled products. Accordingly, accuracy in determination of the authenticity of these modern herbal products has faced great challenges. Lack of authenticity is a public health risk because incorrectly used herbal species can cause adverse effects. Hence, any measures that may aid product authentication would be beneficial. Given the widespread use of Labisia herbal products, the current study focuses on authenticity testing via an integral approach of DNA barcoding and qualitative analysis using HPLC. This study successfully generated DNA reference barcodes (ITS2 and rbcL) for L. pumila var. alata and pumila. The DNA barcode that was generated was then used to identify species of Labisia pumila in herbal medicinal products, while HPLC was utilized to determine their quality. The findings through the synergistic approach (DNA barcode and HPLC) implemented in this study indicate the importance of both methods in providing the strong evidence required for the identification of true species and to examine the authenticity of such herbal medicinal products.