Abstract
Valeriana wallichii, a perennial herb belonging to family Valerianaceae, is an important medicinal herb of the Himalayan region. The incessant exploitation of nature for meeting the demands of the pharmaceutical industry has put unbearable pressure on its natural habitats. A study on its physiological, biochemical, growth and reproductive attributes was planned. Physiological study revealed that ex-situ (outside their natural habitat) populations faced severe stress as compared to in-situ (natural habitat) plants. The difference in the performance of these habitat plants was related to superoxide and H2O2 in the leaves. Photosynthetic attributes were increased in in-situ populations. Proline content and its biosynthetic enzymes ornithine aminotransferase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase showed an increase in ex-situ plants; proline oxidase decreased. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, shikimic acid dehydrogenese, phenylalanine lyase, and flavonoids content showed an increment in ex-situ plants. Antioxidants enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and reduced glutathione showed an increment in ex-situ conditions. Growth and reproductive attributes were more in ex-situ plants. The observations made are suggestive that a comprehensive conservation programme involving in-situ as well as ex-situ strategies will be effective for the conservation and long term survival of the species.
Highlights
Valeriana wallichii DC., a member of family Valerianaceae, is an important medicinal plant of the Himalayan regions [1]
The present study focuses on enhancing our understanding of physiological and biochemical responses of Valeriana wallichii under changing climatic conditions, and to assess the approaches to modulate responses for tolerance that are grown under natural habitat and ex-situ conditions
An increased amount of superoxide ion was seen as scattered dark blue spots in the leaves of ex-situ as compared to in-situ grown plants (Figure 1)
Summary
Valeriana wallichii DC., a member of family Valerianaceae, is an important medicinal plant of the Himalayan regions [1]. The roots and rhizomes of the Valeriana species contain valerenic acids, valepotriates, baldrinal and homobaldrinal, alkaloids and metabolites such as phenolic acids and flavonoids [2]. The biosynthesis of essential oil essentially depends on both the genetic backgrounds and environmental effects [4,5]. It is found in the temperate Himalaya and cold regions of the northern hemisphere. The species has been a subject of interest due to its application in medicine, variability in morphology, reproductive behaviour and antioxidant properties [7,8]
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