Polish contributions in developing medicinal plant in vitro propagation system

Since the 1980s, there has been a significant emphasis in biotechnology on the utilisation of medicinal plants as a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, medicinal plants have been identified as a potential alternative source of essential compounds with a wide range of applications, including those involved in producing medications, nutraceuticals, food additives, cosmeceuticals, natural pigments, and preservatives. The plant micropropagation system is an ideal solution to the problems caused by conventional exploitation since it may simultaneously provide uniform biomass as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites and ex situ conservation of uncommon or endangered plant species (dual strategies of micropropagation). In honour of the Polish Botany Society’s Centenary anniversary in 2022, this article summarises the development of an in vitro propagation method for selected medicinal plants by Polish researchers and botanists.