Planta Med 2003; 69(9): 882-884
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-43211
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Molecular Detection of Cashew Husk (Anacardium occidentale) Adulteration in Market Samples of Dry Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Bandana Dhiman1 , Mahipal Singh1 , 2
  • 1Division of Biotechnology, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India
  • 2Current address: Agricultural Research Station, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 22, 2003

Accepted: March 8, 2003

Publication Date:
04 November 2003 (online)

Abstract

Species-specific PCR primers were developed from intergenic spacer regions of 5S ribosomal RNA genes and used successfully in the detection of adulteration of cashew husk (Anacardium occidentale L.) in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] samples. This is the first report of detecting adulteration in tea using molecular tools. Application of this approach in detecting adulteration of other biological materials in tea, medicinal herbs and the composition of admixtures of ayurvedic herbs has been discussed.

References

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Mahipal Singh, Ph. D.

Agricultural Research Station

Fort Valley State University

1005, State University Drive

Fort Valley

GA 31030

USA

Email: mahipal55@hotmail.com

Fax: +1-478-825-6376