Enhanced Biosynthesis of Bacoside from Bacopa monnieri by Molecular Biotechnology Approach

Abstract

Medicinal plant-based drugs have been in huge demand and obtaining popularity in our routine life because they are convenient to access and possess minor side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Bacopa monnieri is an essential medicinal plant comprising of few pharmacological properties that incorporate memory enhancer, immunomodulator, adaptogen, antiinflammatory, brain activator. Bacosides are triterpenoid saponins of the dammarane class that are considered as main constituent of this plant. This plant comparatively produces a very less quantity of bacoside and a huge amount of biomass is exploited to overcome the shortage in the pharmaceutical industry which hinders the optimal utilization of bacoside. Traditional bacoside extraction techniques are prolonged and impractical process, paving the path for the evolution of alternative biotechnological technologies that would enhance the production, scaling up and extraction process. Although various investigations have been performed in mass production using a biotechnological approach, limited research has been conducted on elucidating and determining the essential enzyme that governs biosynthesis of bacoside pathway. The current study focuses on the progress and prospects in numerous biotechnological and molecular aspects for meeting the worldwide demand for bacoside as well as highlighting these tools so that a platform for enhanced bacoside production may be constructed.