Tulsi plant for medicinal purposes - Genome drafted
Q. NCBS and CCAMP as well as Instem researchers and members of Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster have drafted the genome of which plant for the first time?- Published on 11 Sep 15a. Basil
b. Tulsi
c. Aloe Vera
d. Mint
ANSWER: Tulsi
Team of researchers from NCBS/National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru have produced the first draft genome of the Tulsi plant. Tulsi, the queen of herbs was studied by the researchers to identify genes needed for production of compounds with potential medicinal properties. Tulsi has medicinal properties because of specialised compounds which are part of its defence mechanism. The researchers used 5 varsities of Tulsi for collecting the genetic data. The results were compared to well studied species such as Arabidopsis thaliana (a flowering plant). This aided them discover the unique compounds found in tulsi Krishna subtype. The researchers also found Tulsi contains Ursolic acid and it can be used for generation of this acid which has many medicinal properties. Tulsi is known by the botanical name ocimum tenuiflorum and has been in cultivation in India for 3,000 years. It is believed to have originated in India. The herb is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-pyretic and has many medicinal attributes. It is used for curing respiratory and stomach ailments as well.
