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Planta Med 2010; 76(16): 1934-1937
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249908
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Letters
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

DNA-Based Identification of Helleborus niger by High-Resolution Melting Analysis

Corinna Schmiderer1 , Eduard Mader1 , Johannes Novak1
  • 1Institute for Applied Botany and Pharmacognosy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

received September 28, 2009 revised February 26, 2010

accepted April 9, 2010

Publication Date:
07 May 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Hellbori nigri rhizoma is a drug that is difficult to distinguish from other species of the genus Helleborus. In this communication we present a DNA-based identification by high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) that is able to differentiate between Helleborus niger and other species of the genus. HRM is a very specific, time- and labour-saving method for identifying DNA sequence variations and is ideally suitable for routine PCR analysis. The HRM assay developed is specific for the genus Helleborus. This method not only detects the presence of the target species H. niger but also, to a certain extent, identifies other Helleborus species by their different melting curve shapes. Markers were developed based on the trnL–trnF intergenic spacer and on the matK sequence. For an unambiguous identification of Helleborus niger, melting curves of both markers should be used.

Key words

Helleborus niger - Ranunculaceae - high‐resolution melting analysis (HRM) - identification

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Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Novak

Institute for Applied Botany and Pharmacognosy
University of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinärplatz 1

1210 Vienna

Austria

Phone: + 43 12 50 77 31 02

Fax: + 43 12 50 77 31 90

Email: Johannes.Novak@vetmeduni.ac.at