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Conservation of genetic diversity in plant species used in traditional medicine and health care has become increasingly important, both in terms of adding economic value for biological resources and creating an economic stake for future domestication and cultivation. For RET species that are in decline, in situ conservation alone may not give an adequate support. Medicinal plants are becoming increasingly threatened in nature due to various reasons. A combination of factors like overexploitation, habitat destruction and unsustainable harvesting, coupled with illegal trade practices, have driven many medicinal plant species to the brink of extinction. Attempts are being made to collect and conserve these valuable resources. A focused conservation strategy has to be followed. Biotechnological approaches that support ex situ conservation programs, besides complementing conventional methods, have the potential to broaden the genetic base in species demanding high priority. Several applications have been successfully accomplished in the science of conservation biology. These include use of tissue culture derived plants for in vitro conservation showcasing as a back up for Field Gene Banks (IVAGs) and application of cryogenic technology for long-term seed, pollen and plant tissue cryopreservation (SCB, PCB, IVBGs). Following integrated conservation approaches, using both conventional and biotechnological methods, protocols for conserving plant diversity for 22 species of medicinal plants have been optimized. The current status of specific plant species would be discussed, along with protocols developed for conservation ex situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]