Development of Tissue Culture Conditions and Molecular Characterization of Valeriana Jatamansi

Abstract

V. jatamansiis a perennial herb from the Caprifoliaceae family, commonly known as ‘Tagar’ or ‘Indian valerian’, The species is found growing on moist slopes in shrubberies and open slopes between 1500 and 4000 m. It is known for its medicinal compounds Valerenic acid, Valepotriates and essential oils.It is a well known medicinal plant used for insomnia, hysteria, excitability, mild sedative action for nervous tension, stress and anxiety, encourages ulcer and wound healing, high blood pressure and intestinal colic. In order to see the growing demand in market different accessions, genotypes containing different concentrations of valepotriates are of high significance. So in present study we optimized concentrations of different growth hormones with different combinations to see the effect on metabolites biosynthesis and accumulation. We also characterized the variants by testing 25 primers for valepotriates synthesis. We found one accession (Vj-7) which gave good content of valepotriates quite at par with field grown. So these could provide an alternate resource to the herbal and pharmaceutical industry.