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Eulophia spp.: In Vitro Generation, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Activities

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Orchids Phytochemistry, Biology and Horticulture

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Abstract

Eulophia R.Br. ex Lindl represents one of the largest, wide-spread, and important genera of the family Orchidaceae. Eulophia shows an extraordinary kind of morphological diversity and occupies a wide variety of habitats. Current records testify that it encompasses around 230 species, out of which 203 are the accepted ones. This genus is of prime importance because of its distinctive ecology and broad-spectrum ornamental and therapeutic properties. Crude solvent extracts and phytochemicals have been assessed from the members of this genus and found to possess potent pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and DNA protection among others. Keeping this in view, we are presenting herein an account on the distribution and botanical description of the genus Eulophia, chemical constituents reported from the Eulophia species along with their ethno/pharmacological activities/claims besides their evidenced-based therapeutic activities. Since many species of Eulophia are reportedly threatened, their conservation is required on urgent basis. However, low germination and survival rate in natural conditions along with requirement for specific fungal associations for germination and growth, in situ conservation approaches have met with limited success. Plant tissue culture technologies as emerging platforms for in vitro regeneration, phytochemical production and ex situ conservation for the members of Eulophia are discussed with a perspective approach.

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VS wish to acknowledge the financial assistance from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India [No.: F 39-426/2010 (SR)].

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Shriram, V., Kumar, V. (2022). Eulophia spp.: In Vitro Generation, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Activities. In: Mérillon, JM., Kodja, H. (eds) Orchids Phytochemistry, Biology and Horticulture. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38392-3_31

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