23-Jun-2019: Scientists decode genome of ‘miracle plant’

Scientists from the University of Kerala have decoded the genetic make-up of Arogyapacha ( Trichopus zeylanicus ), a highly potent medicinal plant endemic to the Agastya hills.

This ‘miracle plant’ is known for its traditional use by the Kani tribal community to combat fatigue. Studies have also proved its varied spectrum of pharmacological properties such as anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic.

The project was undertaken in the State Inter University Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics at the Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala.

The lack of a reference genome that hindered extensive research on Arogyapacha prompted the researchers to sequence the whole genome.

The genome and annotation data will be a valuable resource to expedite research on Arogyapacha, particularly its secondary metabolism, genetic breeding, and comparative studies.