Planta Med 2008; 74(3): 296-301
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1034314
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

SCAR Markers for Correct Identification of Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus, P. debilis and P. urinaria used in Scientific Investigations and Dry Leaf Bulk Herb Trade

Neeraj Jain1 , Ajit Kumar Shasany1 , Shefali Singh1 , Suman Preet Singh Khanuja1 , Sushil Kumar2
  • 1Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), PO. CIMAP, Lucknow, India
  • 2National Centre for Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
Further Information

Publication History

Received: August 10, 2007 Revised: January 14, 2008

Accepted: January 16, 2008

Publication Date:
26 February 2008 (online)

Abstract

The trade in Phyllanthus material as bulk herb is rampant and mainly involves herbaceous species such as Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus, P. debilis and P. urinaria. These species are very important in herbal medicines and have varied activities. In India these species grow sympatrically and there are chances of deliberate or ignorant adulteration of crude drugs, lowering the efficiency of the medication for its intended purpose. Secondly, incorrect identification may also lead to erroneous reports on activities/molecules. To overcome this problem in crude drug (dry leaf power) and compliment morphological identification in live plant, we have developed SCAR markers for all four species. In each species, we selected one fragment as being monomorphic between accessions but differing in size between species. These species-specific fragments were selected, cloned and sequenced. Based on the sequences, primer pairs were designed and amplification conditions standardized. SCAR markers were isolated from population DNA amplification profiles and validated by sequencing. The species-specific SCAR primers could retrieve the same size and sequence of fragments as in the RAPD profile. These fragments are 1150 bp, 317 bp, 980 bp and 550 bp in size for P. amarus, P. fraternus, P. debilis and P. urinaria, respectively. Additional fragments in P. debilis and P. urinaria indicate different alleles. The retrieval of same size and sequence of species-specific unique SCAR markers from the respective accessions (mixed DNA sample of same accessions) indicates the usefulness to study natural hybridization between the species in addition to adulteration.

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Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany

Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Division

Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)

PO CIMAP

Lucknow - 226015

India

Phone: +91-522-235-9623

Fax: +91-522-234-2666

Email: akshasany@yahoo.com