Genetic diversity and structure revealed by genomic microsatellite markers in Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., a plant with medicinal potential

Exploring genetic diversity of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. across six Korean island regions: implications for conservation and utilization

“…According to the Korean Citation Index, among the 118 papers on C. asiatica published in Korea, with the exception of two papers on plant distribution, all others focus on functional evaluation. Previous studies indicate that a genetic understanding of target plants is necessary not only for the selection of superior resources and development of new varieties but also for their efficient conservation, cultivation and genetic enhancement (Mathavaraj and Sabu, 2021;Swarup et al, 2021). Although the C. asiatica samples collected from the six Korean island regions exhibited relatively high genetic diversity, very low genetic differentiation was observed among their populations (Table 1, online Supplementary Tables S2 and S3).…”

“…With the increasing awareness of various benefits of traditional herbal medicines, the demand for diverse C. asiatica in Korea has increased; C. asiatica is used as an ingredient in various cuisines and a component in pharmaceuticals and functional cosmetics (Ha et al ., 2010; Choi et al ., 2021; Swarup et al ., 2021). Several efforts are underway to explore the potential applications of the species; however, most of these studies (especially those conducted in China and India) are limited to functional evaluations (Mathavaraj and Sabu, 2021). According to the Korean Citation Index, among the 118 papers on C. asiatica published in Korea, with the exception of two papers on plant distribution, all others focus on functional evaluation.…”

“…According to the Korean Citation Index, among the 118 papers on C. asiatica published in Korea, with the exception of two papers on plant distribution, all others focus on functional evaluation. Previous studies indicate that a genetic understanding of target plants is necessary not only for the selection of superior resources and development of new varieties but also for their efficient conservation, cultivation and genetic enhancement (Mathavaraj and Sabu, 2021; Swarup et al ., 2021).…”

“…Centella asiatica , commonly known as Gotu Kola or Indian Pennywort, is a valuable medicinal plant widely used for centuries because of its remarkable therapeutic properties (Padmalatha and Prasad, 2008; Mathavaraj and Sabu, 2021). Its traditional uses range from healing wounds and inducing anti-inflammatory effects to promoting cognitive function and reducing anxiety (Delbo and Calapai, 2010; Govindaraj et al ., 2015).…”

“…Its traditional uses range from healing wounds and inducing anti-inflammatory effects to promoting cognitive function and reducing anxiety (Delbo and Calapai, 2010; Govindaraj et al ., 2015). Limited genetic studies of C. asiatica pose a significant challenge in comprehending its genetic diversity and population structure, which are essential for the conservation, cultivation and genetic improvement of the species; this is of concern because the demand for natural remedies and functional foods continues to increase (Mathavaraj and Sabu, 2021; Tripathy et al ., 2022). In this study, we analysed the genetic diversity of C. asiatica collected from six different island regions in Korea, using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis to investigate the inter-regional variations in the species.…”