Many plants, even from diverse taxonomic groups, share biosynthetic pathways for secondary metabolites. As indicated from the plants used in Ayurveda, plants of different taxonomic groups cure similar disease states. Conversely, specific compounds are also synthesized by specific taxa. In the latter case the plants become more valuable. Genetic maps of biosynthetic pathways of these compounds are still far from complete and the information on the regulation of these pathways is even less.

The interest of our group is on Mentha species, Artemisia annuua, Withania somnifera, Ocimum santum, Papaver somniferum and Catharanthus roseus in addition to a series of conventional medicinal and aromatic plants for biochemical pathway and the secondary metabolites these plants produce. We are focusing on identifying novel genes in addition to known genes for biotransformation. In terms of diversity, as one of the National genebank of India, we regularly collect and characterize the accessions of different medicinal and aromatic plants. In doing so, relationship between species is also being predicted through DNA analysis. Simultaneous prospection reveals the importance of metabolites in terms of diversity in activity.