Advances in Genetic Engineering of Ajuga Species

Abstract

Ajuga genus is among one of the more than 250 genera of Labiatae, cosmopolitan in distribution, and comprises of more than 70 species with the remarkable therapeutic importance. Many species of Ajuga including A. bracteosa, A. reptans, A. Chamaepitys, etc. have been used in the traditional system of medicine and are also in use for making formulations in modern medicines. Ajuga species offer anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anabolic, antileishmanial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimalarial, astringent, anthelmintic, and diuretic properties and are used in the treatment of rheumatism, palsy, and gout. They hold a large number of secondary metabolites which are active principles to combat the foresaid diseases including phytoecdysteroids, withanolides, iridoid glycosides, neo-clerodane di- and triterpenoids, sterols, and a large range of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Some of the species of Ajuga are genetically modified for some of these compounds including A. bracteosa, A. reptans, A. multiflora, etc. Latest development made in the exploration of these compounds is yet dealing with the transformation of rol genes and some stress and feeding experiments. We precisely discuss here the details of biotechnological progress that has been made in Ajuga species so far.