Characterization, genetic improvement and cultivation of Chlorophytum borivilianum—an important medicinal plant of India

Abstract

Chlorophytum borivilianum is an important medicinal plant known as ‘Safed musli’, used in many Ayurvedic vital tonics and aphrodisiac formulations. The species was first described from India in 1954 and reached rare status in nature due to overexploitation. Owing to its increased demand, the species has attracted the attention of farmers as well as researchers in several institutions. The present paper deals with various research aspects such as conservation biology, cytology, chemistry, plant genetic resources, micropropagation, crop management, etc. conducted on the crop for the last two decades in India. The species is diploid 2n=4x=28 and is mainly vegetatively propagated. Seeds remain dormant for nearly 10 months and also suffer from poor germination. Fleshy roots of the species contain saponins having therapeutic value. Germplasm collections made from different states in India show the occurrence of wide genetic variability in terms of plant type, maturity period, growth and yield characters, and size and shape of fleshy roots. Although the species is cross-pollinated in nature, self-pollination is also feasible artificially. One high-yielding cultivar and two high-yielding morphotypes have been recently identified. A micropropagation protocol using different explants has been standardized and agrotechnology for cultivation developed. Successful use of synthetic seed has also been reported. The article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the species with due emphasis on future thrust and possibilities.

Factors affecting in vitro propagation and field establishment of Chlorophytum borivilianum

“…Poor regeneration and seed germination in the natural habitat was responsible for being endangered species (Narasimham and Ravuru 2003). Subsequently, attempts were made for the conservation of this species through conventional methods Singh 2003, Maiti andGeetha 2005) and in vitro approaches, which focussed on development of efficient micropropagation protocol (Dave et al 2004, Dave and Purohit 2002, Purohit et al 1994a,b, 2003, Rizvi et al 2007. However, there are clone specific variations and still these protocols are required to be refined for commercial micropropagation .…”

In vitro Root Culture : An Alternative Source of Bioactives in the Rare Aphrodisiac Herb Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant et Fern

“…The roots are also a rich source of over 25 alkaloids, proteins, vitamins, steroids, phenolics, gallotannins, mucilage and resins (Thakur et al 2008). The plant supports an annual growth habit and has a very short life cycle (90 -100 days) (Maiti and Geetha 2005). Ever growing market demand coupled with rapid habitat loss, ruinous harvesting practices, prolong seed dormancy (nearly ten months) and poor germination rate (14 -16% only) have made C. borivilianum a rare plant (Maiti and Geetha 2005).…”

“…The plant supports an annual growth habit and has a very short life cycle (90 -100 days) (Maiti and Geetha 2005). Ever growing market demand coupled with rapid habitat loss, ruinous harvesting practices, prolong seed dormancy (nearly ten months) and poor germination rate (14 -16% only) have made C. borivilianum a rare plant (Maiti and Geetha 2005). Thus development of faster propagation techniques and formulation of alternative strategies for the production of bioactive molecules through biotechnological interventions are essential for improvement and conservation of the species.…”

Lack of genetic diversity of a critically endangered important medicinal plant Chlorophytum borivilianum in Central India revealed by AFLP markers

“…The Chlorophytum genus having about 300 species are found throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of the world (Vijaya and Chavan 2009). In India, Safed musli is found in Southern Rajasthan, Northern Gujarat and Western Madhya Pradesh (Maiti and Geetha 2005). C. borivilianum roots (tubers) are rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids, saponins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phenol, resins, mucilage, and polysaccharides and also contains high quantity of simple sugars, mainly sucrose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and xylose (Thakur et al 2009).…”