An Overview of Genus <em>Zanthoxylum</em> with Special Reference to Its Herbal Significance and Application

The plants of genus Zanthoxylum are effectually utilized in conventional and present-day medicine system to fight many diseases and disorders like pain, seizures, inflammation, cancer, liver and heart malady. Many of its plants—trees and shrubs, are citrus in nature, with curative antimicrobial, antihelminthic, antipyretic, and antiviral activities. More than 100 of its plant species have been identified and recorded for their potential as an herb in modern pharmacopeia. The species of this genus also have potent ethno-pharmacological significance. Many medicinal secondary metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids have also been profiled in many Zanthoxylum species. Additionally, fruit of many of the species is also significantly utilized as a major spice under the name “Sichuan pepper” in many countries like China and India. Thus, this unique blend of herb and spice characteristic of the genus needs a detailed description. This chapter highlights the major significant discoveries in the recent decade in this genus, which can add a step in the way of development of herbal medicines. Documentation of such medicinal plants may aid in derivation of plant-based medicines, which is the demand of the hour

In Vitro Mid-Term Conservation of Acorus calamus L. via Cold Storage of Encapsulated Microrhizome

ABSTRACT In vitro rhizome production, encapsulation and cold storage of Acorus calamus were attempted for its propagation and ‘true-to-type’ conservation. Shoot cultures were initiated using underground rhizome buds, on 6-benzyladenine (BA) containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Maximum microrhizome production was observed in presence of 33.3 µM BA, on modified MS medium containing 6% sucrose, 100 mg/L citric acid and 1 g/L polyvinyl pyrrolidone-40. Synthetic seeds were produced from regenerated microtubers by encapsulation in calcium alginate beads. These synthetic seeds were stored in complete darkness at 100C temperature for different durations for mid-term conservation. After cold storage, synthetic seeds were re-cultured in vitro, 100% survival was recorded after the storage of 1, 3 or 6 months; and 80% survival was observed after the storage of 12 months. The microrhizomes were produced roots in 4.9 µM indole-3-butyric acid containing half strength MS medium. All the regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to field after acclimatization. It is the first report on successful one year in vitro cold storage of A. calamus