Biotechnological Strategies for Conservation of Uraria Picta

Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal woody herb, commonly known as ?Pithvan? or ?Prishnaparni?. It has traditionally been used in more than 40 Ayurvedic formulations including ?Dashmula?. Whole plant is of medicinal importance. Leaves are a good antiseptic and used against gonorrhoea. The fruits and pods are effective against oral sores in children and the roots have use against cough, chills and fever. The roots are used medicinally for invigorating the liver and spleen, as a sedative, produces strength to the nervous system, cures all sorts of inflammations; detoxify the entire body, used in the treatment of skin diseases and to heal the fracture wound. However, the availability of U. picta root biomass is very low. Moreover, the unsustainable utilization from the wild habitat for the root source and limited success in propagation through seeds has led to its inclusion in the list of rare, endangered, and endemic plant species. The study determined the feasible propagation protocol by breaking physical seed dormancy and by in vitro techniques.