Valepotriates Content Variation and Genetic Diversity in High Value Medicinal Herb, Valeriana jatamansi

Valeriana jatamansi is an important medicinal herb from Caprifoliaceae family found in the Himalayan region at an altitude of 1500-3600 m. It is known for its medicinal compounds Velerenic acid and Valepotriates. It is recommended for the treatment of insomnia, stimulates the central nervous system, and reduces spasms and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to study genetic diversity in twelve accessions of Valeriana jatamansi varying in Valepotriates content collected from different locations in Himachal Pradesh. Quantification of Valepotriates was done using RP-HPLC. Valepotriates content varied from 1.2%-1.9%. We utilized DNA-based molecular marker technique i.e. simple sequence repeats (SSRs) designed from whole genome transcriptomes of Picrorhiza kurroa to study polymorphism. 220 SSR primers including mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexanucleotide repeat motifs were tested on genomic DNA of Valeriana jatamansi genotypes, out of which 14 showed polymorphisms. The highest percentage of polymorphic primers were mononucleotide repeats (42.9%) followed by di(21.4%), triand hexa(14.3%) and tetra(7.14%) nucleotides. This is the first report on polymorphism study in Valeriana jatamansi using microsatellite markers. This study would be helpful in the development of DNA diagnostics for the authentication of plant material and detection of adulterant plant species.