Planta Med 2006; 72(3): 241-247
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-916173
Original Paper
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the Identification of Ephedra DNA in Dietary Supplements

Natascha Techen1 , Ikhlas A. Khan1 , Zhiqiang Pan2 , Brian E. Scheffler2 , 3
  • 1National Center for Natural Products Research and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, MS, USA
  • 2USDA-ARS-NPURU, University, MS, USA
  • 3Present address USDA-ARS-CGRU, MSA Genomics Laboratory, Stoneville, MS, USA
Mention of trade names or commercial products in this manuscript is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture
Further Information

Publication History

Received: June 7, 2005

Accepted: July 24, 2005

Publication Date:
05 December 2005 (online)

Abstract

As part of a continuing research effort to develop chemical and genetic authentication profiles of botanicals, an investigation was performed with the goal to detect, identify and verify Ephedra sinica Stapf DNA in dietary supplements such as plant mixtures and tablets/capsules. We amplified and sequenced the chloroplast psbA-trnH spacer from 21 Ephedra spp. and from two of their closest relatives, Gnetum gnemon L. and Welwitschia mirabilis Hook. Based on sequence comparisons, we identified regions unique to all of the Ephedra spp. samples analyzed. We concluded that the psbA-trnH spacer sequence could be used as a molecular marker. Based on this spacer sequence, we designed Ephedra spp.-specific primers that can help to identify Ephedra spp. DNA in plant mixtures containing as little as 1/1,000 part of Ephedra spp. tissue. We used a DNA extraction method that allows for quick DNA isolation from plant mixtures for PCR analysis.

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Dr. Brian E. Scheffler

USDA-ARS-CGRU

MSA Genomics Laboratory

141 Experiment Station Rd.

Stoneville

MS 38776

USA

Fax: +1-662-686-5372

Email: bscheffler@ars.usda.gov