Protocols for establishment of an in vitro collection of medicinal plants in the genus Scutellaria

Abstract

The study of medicinal plants has many unique challenges and special considerations. These plants are studied for their specific chemistry, or pharmacologic activity. Plants are highly sensitive to their environment and respond through changes in their chemistry. To date, one of the biggest problems in the study of medicinal plants has been the acquisition of consistent, positively identified material for chemical analysis. Successful protocols for the collection, identification, and establishment of medicinal plants species in tissue culture is invaluable for future studies. This protocol outlines methods to establish Scutellaria baicalenisis , and Scutellaria lateriflora from commercial seed sources, and collection and establishment of Scutellaria racemosa from wild populations.