Biotechnological intervention of Agave Sisalana: A unique fiber yielding plant with medicinal property

Agave sisalana Perr. Syn (Agavaceae) is cultivated for its fiber, ornamental and medicinal value. The plant contains saponin useful for soap making and pharmacological importance. It yields a stiff fiber traditionally used in making twine, rope and also dartboards. Despite their economic importance, the Agave spp. has not been genetically improved. In vitro propagation offers an alternative to this problem through the efficient cloning of selected high-yielding “elite” plants. The present review gives a brief account on this important fiber yielding and medicinal plant with special emphasis on the secondary metabolite and in vitro propagation.