In vitro propagation for improvement of medicinal plants: A review

Abstract

Many plant cells exhibit totipotency; the ability to develop into whole plants via embryo formation. Plant tissue culture is the in-vitro culture of plant cells that relies on totipotency. Plant cells are grown on synthetic media and plant growth regulators such as plant hormones and their synthetic analogues are used to support and manipulate growth to user’s end. Numerous studies have shown the potential of in-vitro culture in medicinal plants including micropropagation where efficient protocols of micropropagation for many various medicinal plants, enhanced production of high-value secondary metabolites and conservation of a wide range of medicinal plants, which includes endangered, rare and threatened plant species. Therefore in-vitro propagation has various advantages and many applications in plant research and production with great potential for medicinal plants as well. However, well-established efficient protocols for many medicinal plants are yet to be established before they can be commercialized.