An Overview of Planarian Species used for Testing the Effect of Pharmaceuticals and Contaminants on Regeneration

Planarians have a remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, including the brain, auricle, eye spots, etc. They have been excellent model systems for pharmaceutical studies, including regenerative medicine, toxicology and drug testing. An overview of currently available planarian model species used for studying the effects of contaminants and pharmaceuticals on regeneration is important for initiating studies in laboratories for the first time and developing indigenous model species. The present study provides a list of currently used planarian model species around the globe and in India. The analysis highlights the lack of taxonomic studies providing accurate identification of planarian species in India and unavailability of indigenous model species.