In vitro Propagation of Ruta graveolens L.

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Ruta graveolens L., a multipurpose perennial herb, belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is a native of the Mediterranean region and is commonly known as Garden Rue or Herb of Grace. From time immemorial, Rue has been known for its rich aromatic and medicinal properties. More than 120 compounds of different classes of natural products, such as acridone alkaloids, coumarins, essential oils, flavonoids and furanoquinolines, have been isolated from R. graveolens. Having a vast range of secondary metabolites, this plant has been used worldwide for several therapeutic usages. The essential oil obtained from the distillation of the entire plant has several therapeutic values. The entire plant is used as an abortifacient, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, ophthalmic, and rubefacient. Besides pharmaceutical applications, this plant is used in cosmetics and food items. Ripened fruits are used as condiments and leaves are used to make pickles. Several effective protocols for micropropagation have been developed by several researchers. Due to its vast usage, the plant is disappearing in the wild. Conventional propagation methods do not meet the market demands. Hence, there is an urgent need to shift to in vitro methods for quick and genetically elite plant production. In this chapter, detailed protocols for in vitro propagation methods are discussed.