Molecular Identification and Development of Nuclear DNA ITS Sequence Based Marker to Distinguish Coscinium fenestratum Gaertn. (Menispermaceae) from its Adulterants
Abstract
Coscinium fenestratum Gaertn. (Menispermaceae), commonly known as ‘tree turmeric’, is an endangered plant species used in Traditional Systems of Medicine in Asia to treat diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, tetany etc. Market survey in India indicates Berberis aristata, B. asiatica, B. lycium of family Berberidaceae and Morinda umbellata (Rubiaceae) are traded as substitutes or adulterants of C. fenestratum. To strengthen the pharmacognosy parameters, molecular identification of C. fenestratum was performed based on the nuclear DNA ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequence. Subsequently, a species-specific DNA marker was developed for easy identification of C. fenestratum. The marker developed can be used as a molecular pharmacognosy tool in quality control of herbal raw drugs.
Keywords
Coscinium fenestratum, ITS sequence, Adulterants, DNA marker, Pharmacognosy, Quality Control
