GENETIC DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT IN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS USING MOLECULAR MARKERS

Abstract

Endangered medicinal plants are invaluable resources for healthcare, biodiversity, and the economy, yet they face increasing threats from habitat loss, overexploitation, and environmental changes. Preserving their genetic diversity is essential to maintain their adaptability, resilience, and potential for future use in medicine and research. Molecular markers have emerged as powerful tools to accurately assess genetic variation within and among populations of these plants, overcoming the limitations of traditional morphological methods. Techniques such as RAPD, ISSR, AFLP, and SSR provide detailed insights into the genetic structure, levels of polymorphism, and population differentiation. This paper reviews the current methodologies employed in genetic diversity studies of endangered medicinal plants using molecular markers, highlighting case studies where these tools have informed conservation strategies. Understanding the genetic makeup of endangered species enables targeted conservation efforts, including in situ and ex situ management, breeding programs, and restoration initiatives. The integration of molecular marker data into conservation biology thus supports sustainable utilization and long-term survival of these critical plant resources. Finally, we discuss challenges faced in molecular studies and future prospects with emerging genomic technologies to enhance conservation outcomes.