Molecular genetic diversity and biological activity assessment in Leptadenia reticulata from India

Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn. (Jivanti) has enormous therapeutic value in traditional medicine because of its revitalizing, rejuvenating, and lactogenic properties. Due to overexploitation and a lack of habitat, the species is rapidly disappearing. Therefore, it is essential to understand the genetic diversity as well as the biological activity profile for conservation and its medicinal use. Nine ISSR markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of fifty-five L. reticulata samples that were collected from eleven locations in India for this study. ISSR markers yielded 287 bands overall and showed 100 % polymorphism. The genetic assessment showed that diversity was relatively high at the species level but lower at the population level. AMOVA revealed 89 % variation within and 11 % between L. reticulata locations. Limited genetic differentiation (GST = 0.32) and moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.05) were observed between the locations of L. reticulata. Simultaneously, the respective chemotypes of L. reticulata from eleven locations were assessed for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties using aqueous extracts. Despite minor variations, the biological activities of L. reticulata from various locations in this study did not deviate significantly. The in-vitro activities determined support its efficacy in traditional medicine. The data from this study are valuable for the efficient management of germplasm for breeding and conservation purposes to meet the ever-increasing commercial demand for L. reticulata in the herbal drug industry.