Complete Genome Sequencing of Tulsi: Implications of Discovery

Complete Genome Sequencing of Tulsi: Implications of Discovery

Question : CSIR CIMAP/Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants has published a complete genome sequence of Ocimum Sanctum, commonly called Holy Basil/Tulsi. Discuss the chief implications of this scientific discovery.

• The whole genome sequence of Ocimum sanctum, wonder plant Holy Basil of Tulsi has been mapped out by CSIR CIMAP

• Tulsi is praised as Vishnupriya and it has been worshipped for over 3000 years through the sacred traditions of Hindu culture

• This scientific discovery is the first report of complete genome sequence of traditional and venerated plant of India

• This genome sequencing was done using next generation sequencing technologies

• The metabolic and therapeutic potential of this revered plant is immense

• The whole genome sequence is the key to unravel the secrets of the mother of all herbs

• It will also lend scientific validity to traditional medicines made using this herb

• Tulsi is a cure for several ailments and it has been venerated in Ayurveda text Charaka Samhit as The Queen of Herbs, The Incomparable One and The Mother Medicine of Nature

• All parts of this herb including its dried leaves, seeds, and dried whole plant are used in a host of traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Greek and Roman

• Genome sequencing will open doors to better understanding of how Tulsi cures diverse ailments such as bronchitis, malaria, diarrhoea, bronchial asthma, eye diseases, chronic fever, insect bites, arthritis and so on

• Tulsi/Holy Basil has anti-fertility, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, adaptogenic and diaphoretic properties

• This plant’s oil constituents are used for creating medicinal ingredients, flavours, fragrances and so on

• Holy Basil is rich in phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and their derivatives, and many of these are implicated for different therapeutic activities

• Complete genome sequencing of Tulsi will open up chances of identifying genes associated with therapeutic molecules and their production in vitro.

• It will also help in identification of yet to be identified genes involved in synthesis of important secondary metabolites in the plant

• Specific pathway related genes identified or mined in this genome could be used for the production of secondary metabolites associated with synthetic biology approaches

• Complete genome sequencing of Holy basil will also increase its utility in the medical community

Facts and Stats

• Nuclear genome of Holy basil is currently the smallest (386 Mb) in the family Lamiaceae while the chloroplast genome (142,245 bp) is the smallest in the order Lamiales

• O. Sanctum shows maximum evolutionary classless to a plant in Chinese TCM Salvia miltiorrhiza

• The genome size of the former is little more than half of the genome size of the latter

• Both plants produce phenylpropanoids and identical diploid number of chromosomes