Assessment of Genetic and Phytochemical Variations of Leptadenia reticulata from Different Geographical Regions of India

Abstract

Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn, a highly valued and extensively traded medicinal plant, plays a crucial role in Ayurvedic practices, primarily for its revitalizing, rejuvenating, and lactogenic properties. However, because of the established medicinal properties and increase in demand across the world, the plants are being overexploited and are rapidly decreasing in number. It is therefore important to carry out population genetic studies on the plant to understand the existing variations in their gene pool and their correlation with respective phytoconstituents so that appropriate conservation strategies can be planned. Depleting numbers, and inadvertent mistakes in identification coupled with rampant substitution and adulteration has necessitated the development of better tools for correct identification and differentiation of this medicinally important plant from common adulterants/substitutes. Objectives: (i) To study the DNA profile of Leptadenia reticulata, from different geographical regions of India using ISSR/RAPD primers. (ii) To investigate the phytoconstituent variation in Leptadenia reticulata using the fingerprinting method. (iii) To develop the molecular markers for identification and differentiation of Leptadenia reticulata from its adulterants and substituents.