Importance of Biotechnological Research in Tree Species of Dashamula

Traditional health care system of India uses the vast resources of medicinal and aromatic plants in the protection of health, as drugs and fragrance materials. The growing interest in commercialisation of plant-based medicines has lead to over exploitation of the plants. This review provides an account of the present status of medicinal importance and biotechnological research in the five Dashamula tree species namely Aegle marmelos, Gmelina arborea, Oroxylum indicum, Premna integrifolia and Stereospermum suaveolens. In Dashamula tree species, where the ischolar_mains are used in preparation of ayurvedic formulations, the destruction of plants are severe and planting of seedlings for these species is almost negligible. Clonal propagation throngh macro and micropropagation is practiced in a limited scale for Gmelina arborea and Aegle marmelos. Research activities are negligible in the species like Oroxylum indicum, Premna integrifolia and Stereospermum suaveolens. Research towards either genetically improving the species for higher production of the active components or increasing the production of the compounds under in vitro culture conditions is essential and it is practiced in several medicinal plant species. The application of in vitro culture for the propagation of Dashamula tree species will help in the sustainable availability of propagules and plant products.