DNA Barcoding of Medicinal Plants for Conservation Purposes

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as traditional remedies. Their therapeutic potential or bioprospecting has made them valuable worldwide, as many people today rely on herbal treatments and can easily find the products on the market. Unfortunately, there are unpleasant facts about medicinal plants worldwide due to expanding demand and careless harvesting methods for finding new medications. Consequently, DNA barcoding is now recognized as a powerful conservation tool. DNA barcoding employs short and standardized gene sequences to determine and distinguish between species. This chapter explores the medicinal plants discussion which links to the use of DNA barcoding in medicinal plant conservation, emphasizing species identification, genetic diversity, and population structure assessment, identifying new species. Using DNA barcoding, conservationists may establish informed strategies to preserve these vital resources, maintain biodiversity, and promote traditional knowledge and future medical developments. Integrating DNA barcoding into conservation efforts offers promising prospects for medicinal plants’ long-term use and protection, ensuring their vital importance in global healthcare and traditional practices.