The article presents the developed protocol for the propagation of tuberous
orchids and their organs. The protocol allows for the cultivation of materials for
reintroduction, restoration of disturbed populations and biomedical research. A
phytochemical analysis of this plant group was conducted for the first time, confirming
their medicinal properties. Micropropagation was employed to achieve this objective.
The study focused on nine species of tuberous orchids from the Orchidaceae family:
Dactylorhiza traunsteineri, D. maculata, D. fuchsii, D. incarnata, D. urvilleana, D.
baltica, Gymnadenia conopsea, G. conopsea f. gigantea and Orchis militaris. The
results demonstrated that these species contain chemical substances with potential
physiological activities. For example, squalene exhibited positive effects such as
antifungal, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and others. Additionally, other
identified chemical substances demonstrated antiproliferative and proapoptotic
activities against colon cancer, as well as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
antitumoral, and antifungal properties.
Keywords: Biologically active substances, Culture medium, Dactylorhiza, Gymnadenia, In vitro, Micropropagation, Orchis, Orchid, Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, Secondary metabolites, Tissue culture, Tuberoid.
