In Vitro Approaches for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Var. Lutea (Witt.) Maheshwari: A Highly Valuable Medicinal Plant

Abstract

Medicinal plants are a globally valuable source of life-saving drugs. The biotechnology is the key tool to select, reproduce, and conserve the critical and endangered species of medicinal plants. Butea monosperma grasps a significant position in the pharmaceutical domain because of its enormous medicinal properties resulting from the presence of several classes of secondary metabolites. Poor seed viability, low seed germination rate, and genetic variability restrict propagation of B. monosperma. Overexploitation, severe habitat destruction, and restricted distributions are the major constraints of sustainable production of this important plant. The in vitro tissue culture and micropropagation of Butea monosperma – significant medicinal plant – have been well established. The quick and reproducible in vitro response to plant growth regulator treatments has emerged as an indispensable balance of genetic transformation studies for this plant species. In this chapter, in vitro regeneration approaches, advancements, and improvements in genetic transformation of B. monosperma are addressed. Finally, we propose conclusions and future prospects for this medicinally important tree species.