Authentication, Micropropagation and Conservation of Embelia ribes - a Vulnerable Medicinal Plant

Embelia ribes Burm. f. is an important medicinal plant resource in Indian System of Medicine, Homeopathy and many other herbal products. It is mainly used as an anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, anti-fertilitic and antibacterial agent. Embelin is a characteristic chemical constituent of many species belong to the family Myrcinaceae. Among these species, seeds of Embelia ribes contain the highest content of embelin. Due to over exploitation of this species, the natural population is diminishing day by day and the adulteration has become a common feature. Hence, the problems in natural regeneration, adulteration, propagation and conservation efforts for this species are critically reviewed in the paper. Market survey revealed that E. tsjeriam-cottam was commonly sold as E. ribes. Molecular markers are being used for identification of E. ribes and to distinguish it from common substitutes and adulterants. Its natural regeneration is poor and artificial regeneration is difficult. It is a dioecious species with low male female ratio and bears short-lived male flowers as compared to female flowers. This may be the reason for less production of fruits. The in vitro technique is a promising area of research in the propagation as well as ex situ conservation of threatened plants. Very few reports are available on micropropagation of E. ribes. Again some doubts over previous report have also been observed. Therefore, the development and refinement of protocols for large scale micropropagation and conservation of authenticated plants of the species are greatly felt.