| Abstract Detail
Molecular Biology Schori, Melanie [1], Showalter, Allan [1]. DNA Barcoding Medicinal Plants of Pakistan. Plant DNA barcoding involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of specific regions of chloroplast (and also genomic) DNA. DNA barcoding has many potential applications, including species identification of unknown samples. In Pakistan, many people rely on herbal products as their primary source of medicines, yet there is little quality control for raw plant material that is sold to individuals or companies. Large-scale cultivation of medicinal plants is not widespread, so the bulk of raw material is imported from other countries or collected from the wild, depending on the species. Twigs, roots, leaves, and flowers are sold under common names, so the potential for misidentifications and mixed collections is high. Misidentifications or adulteration of authenticated materials can lead to reduced effectiveness of herbal products or accidental poisonings. Barcoding provides a way to confirm the identification of raw plant material and establish a level of quality assurance. However, barcoding for identification purposes presents certain challenges. In addition to issues with voucher authentication, PCR inhibition, and primer mismatches, sequence variability needs to be assessed for each gene region, usually the rbcL, matK, and psbA-trnH spacer regions. Multiple voucher sequences are required for any given species, and closely related species should be barcoded as well to verify that species-level identification through barcoding is possible. Domesticated species like Linum usitatissimum may not be distinguishable from their wild progenitors. Additionally, many common medicinal and culinary plants do not have sequence data entered into a public database like GenBank, so unknown samples cannot always be identified. As more barcoding projects contribute sequences, the reliability of identifying plants through barcodes will increase. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Ohio University, Department of Environmental & Plant Biology, Molecular & Cellular Biology Program, 315 Porter Hall, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
Keywords:
DNA barcoding
Medicinal plants
DNA sequencing.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 8
Location: Union B/Hyatt
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 8004
Abstract ID:140 |
