Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3830

Review

Biotechnological intervention of Agave Sisalana: A unique fiber yielding plant with medicinal property

Mousumi Debnath1*, Mukeshwar Pandey1, Rohit Sharma1, Gulab S. Thakur2and Pushpa Lal1
1Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jaipur Engineering College and Research Centre, Sitapura, Tonk Road, Jaipur 302022, India. 2Research and Development Centre, Bisen Biotech and Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., M-7, Biotechnology Park, Laxmipuram Transport Nagar, Gwalior 474010, India.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 22 December 2009
  •  Published: 04 February 2010

Abstract

Agave sisalana Perr. Syn (Agavaceae) is cultivated for its fiber, ornamental and medicinal value. The plant contains saponin useful for soap making and pharmacological importance. It yields a stiff fiber traditionally used in making twine, rope and also dartboards. Despite their economic importance, the Agave spp. has not been genetically improved. In vitro propagation offers an alternative to this problem through the efficient cloning of selected high-yielding “elite” plants. The present review gives a brief account on this important fiber yielding and medicinal plant with special emphasis on the secondary metabolite and in vitro propagation.

 

Key words: Agave sisalana, saponin, in vitro propagation, fiber.