Biotechnological intervention in Betelvine (Piper betle L.): a review on recent advances and future prospects

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2016 Source:Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine Author(s): Suryasnata Das, Reena Parida, I. Sriram Sandeep, Sanghamitra Nayak, Sujata Mohanty Betelvine (Piper betel L.) is cultivated for its deep green heart shaped leaf for (15-20) million Indian and 2 billion foreign consumers annually. The crop provides Rs (6 000-7 000) million of national income per year and at the same time leaves worth Rs (30-40) million is exported to other countries. The leaves are not only used directly for chewing purposes but also possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties. Besides, the leaves also contain eugenol rich essential oil (1%-3%) which is the source for medicine, stimulant, antiseptic, tonic and other ayurvedic formulations. The essential oil also contains chavibetol, caryophyllene and methyl eugenol which are the potent source for preparation in ayurvedic medicine and herbal products. Cost of betelvine essential oil is 10$ per 5 mL. In spite of its great economical and medicinal importance betelvine is still neglected by the researchers for proper characterization and authentication for selection of elite landraces. Lack of awareness among people, use of same planting material for many generations, existing of many synonyms for a single landraces, no proper characterization of available landraces are some of the significant constraints for its commercialization. Our review ...
Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine - Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research