Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and phytochemical variations in Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.)Royle: an endangered medicinal herb

Polygonatum cirrhifolium is an important medicinal herb of family Asparagaceae used to cure several ailments. Its rhizome forms an important ingredient of "Chyavanprash" which is identified for its rejuvenating properties. However, P.cirrhifolium is least explored scientifically and systematically till date. Therefore, in this study genetic diversity and phytochemical variations along with antimutagenic activity of P.cirrhifolium populations was evaluated. Antimutagenic activity varied remarkably (p<0.05)having Gagar population with significantly (p<0.05)higher DNA recovery (84.95percent ) percentage. Higher genetic diversity (He)was recorded among populations using RAPD (He, 0.30-0.36)and ISSR (0.25-0.38)markers. High intra and low inter population variations were recorded in the species using both kinds of markers. Phenolics (p<0.05; r=0.924); tannins (p<0.05; r=0.897)and DNA damage inhibition efficiency displayed a highly positive correlation with genetic diversity (estimated using ISSR markers). The population structure analysis of P. cirrhifolium revealed that the greatest value of the K was 3 for studied populations. Gene flow among studied populations was found sufficient to encounter genetic erosion in the species. Therefore, it can be recommended that the populations with higher ingredient and genetic diversity can be utilized for conservation priority and management plan of this species.