Biotechnological and endophytic-mediated production of centellosides in Centella asiatica

In vitro culture of a plant cell, tissue and organ is a marvellous, eco-friendly biotechnological strategy for the production of phytochemicals. With the emergence of recent biotechnological tools, genetic engineering is now widely practiced enhancing the quality and quantity of plant metabolites. Triterpenoid saponins especially asiaticoside and madecassoside of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. are popularly known for their neuroprotective activity. It has become necessary to increase the production of asiaticoside and madecassoside because of their high pharmaceutical and industrial demand. Thus, the review aims to provide efficient biotechnological tools along with proper strategies. This review also included a comparative analysis of various carbon sources and biotic and abiotic elicitors. The vital roles of a variety of plant growth regulators and their combinations have also been evaluated at different in vitro growth stages of Centella asiatica. Selection of explants, direct and callus-mediated organogenesis, root organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seed production etc. are also highlighted in this study. In a nutshell, this review will present the research outcomes of different biotechnological interventions used to increase the yield of triterpenoid saponins in C. asiatica.

Automated summary

In vitro culture of plant cells, tissues, and organs is an eco-friendly biotechnological strategy for producing plant chemicals. This review focuses on increasing the production of triterpenoid saponins in Centella asiatica by using genetic engineering tools and proper strategies. It discusses the roles of different carbon sources, biotic and abiotic elicitors, and plant growth regulators at different growth stages. The study also highlights various techniques such as organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. The review provides valuable insights into biotechnological interventions for enhancing triterpenoid saponin yield in C. asiatica.