Statistical optimization of in vitro callus induction of wild and cultivated varieties of Mucuna pruriens L. (DC.) using response surface methodology and assessment of L-Dopa biosynthesis

•Mucuna pruriens is an anti-Parkinsonian medicinal crop with industrial use.•Levodopa is the biomarker with potent anti-Parkinson’s disease properties.•Callus of wild and cultivated varieties of Mucuna pruriens were raised in vitro.•A validated High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography method was used to screen Levodopa.•Levodopa biosynthesis was optimized using response surface methodology.