In vitro propagation: A biotechnological tool capable of solving the problem of medicinal plants decimation in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has a very rich plant biodiversity, many of which are medicinally useful. The rich resource is decreasing at an alarming rate as a result of over- exploitation. Plant in vitro regeneration is a biotechnological tool that offers a potential solution to this problem as it provides a means of putting the plants onto the market at lower prices. We present in this paper a review of micro propagation protocols developed for selected medicinal plants of South Africa and highlight the need for the utilization of this technology for the mass propagation of over-exploited medicinal plants in South Africa.

Key Words: Tissue culture, protocols, micro propagation, medicinal plants, herbal medicine.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(12) 2004: 683-687