This study on tissue culture of the seed of Derris scandens Benth. for callus formation was performed in various MS43 medium formulations: 43, 43+C1, 43+C3, 43+C5 and 43+SA, 43+SA+C1, 43+SA+C3, 43+SA+C5. It was found that medium 43+C1 was the most appropriate formulation for callus initiation by measuring its width, length and height at one and two months as 15.20 × 22.75 × 9.60 mm and 18.65 × 24.35 × 11.00 mm, respectively. Genistein, an important chemical constituent, was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 43+C1, 43+C3 and 43+C5 media for calli at 1 month of age and the amount of genestein was found to be 8.00 ± 0.44 mg/g (0.80%), 6.37 ± 1.32 mg/g (0.64%) and 6.22 ± 1.21 mg/g (0.62%), respectively.
The results showed that callus formation by tissue culture technique has the potential to be developed to enhance genistein production in a few months. Besides, a fermentor could also help increase its production at the same time. D. scandens naturally grown in the forest takes many years for genisteinformation and the plants might become extinct if they are collected in large amounts for medicinal purposes. Isoflavones, genistein and derivatives have been reported to relieve inflammation and possess anti-cancer activity. Further active ingredient study is needed.

Key words: tissue culture, Derris scandens Benth., callus, genistein