DNA barcoding: an efficient tool to overcome authentication challenges in the herbal market

Abstract

biological reference material herbal barcode library. SummaryThe past couple of decades have witnessed global resurgence of herbal-based health care. As a result, the trade of raw drugs has surged globally. Accurate and fast scientific identification of the plant(s) is the key to success for the herbal drug industry. The conventional approach is to engage an expert taxonomist, who uses a mix of traditional and modern techniques for precise plant identification. However, for bulk identification at industrial scale, the process is protracted and time-consuming. DNA barcoding, on the other hand, offers an alternative and feasible taxonomic tool box for rapid and robust species identification. For the success of DNA barcode, the barcode loci must have sufficient information to differentiate unambiguously between closely related plant species and discover new cryptic species. For herbal plant identification, matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ITS, trnL-F, 5S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA have been used as successful DNA barcodes. Emerging advances in DNA barcoding coupled with next-generation sequencing and high-resolution melting curve analysis have paved the way for successful species-level resolution recovered from finished herbal products. Further, development of multilocus strategy and its application has provided new vistas to the DNA barcode-based plant identification for herbal drug industry. For successful and acceptable identification of herbal ingredients and a holistic quality control of the drug, DNA barcoding needs to work harmoniously with other components of the systems biology approach. We suggest that for effectively resolving authentication challenges associated with the herbal market, DNA barcoding must be used in conjunction with metabolomics along with need-based transcriptomics and proteomics.

Detection of Adulteration by Wedelia calendulacea in Eclipta alba through ISSR and RAPD Markers

“…Therefore, DNA-based technologies, which are more stable and reliable, have clear advantage over these traditional methods. Although DNA barcoding, extreme PCR, or high-resolution melting analysis provide more authentic and accurate results, cost-effective and reliable identification tools like ISSR and RAPD markers have been considered advantageous since they can be carried out in reasonably equipped laboratories [19,[21][22][23]. In the present study, phylogenetic inference coupled with PCA and PCoA effectively resolved and clearly differentiated W. calendulacea from E. alba.…”

“…Along with safety and toxicity, there is a need to develop methods of profiling medicinal plants for the purpose of authentication. For genetic materials, which are more stable and uniform, DNA-based typing methods are increasingly being used for this purpose [18,19]. Methods like RAPD and ISSR fingerprinting are cost effective, relatively simple, and easy to perform.…”

DNA barcoding of plants: Selection of core markers for taxonomic groups

“…The plastid markers rbcL and matK loci exhibited poor resolution in species-rich genera and complex taxa of Lysimachia, Ficus, Holcoglossum, and Curcuma (7-10). However, DNA barcoding has significant impact on various research areas such as molecular phylogeny, population genetics, evolution and ecology, biosecurity and food product regulation (6,11,12). It helps to detect adulterant in food and medicinal product (6,11).…”

“…However, DNA barcoding has significant impact on various research areas such as molecular phylogeny, population genetics, evolution and ecology, biosecurity and food product regulation (6,11,12). It helps to detect adulterant in food and medicinal product (6,11). In recent years, identification and authentication of medicinal plants using DNA barcode markers have made significant progress (6,11).…”

“…It helps to detect adulterant in food and medicinal product (6,11). In recent years, identification and authentication of medicinal plants using DNA barcode markers have made significant progress (6,11).…”