Genetic identification of medicinally used Salacia species by nrDNA ITS sequences and a PCR-RFLP assay for authentication of Salacia-related health foods

The roots and stems of several Salacia species have been used as traditional medicines, especially in Ayurvedic medical system for the treatment diabetes, rheumatism, gonorrhea, amenorrhea, skin diseases, etc. Due to reported evidence supporting Salacia's beneficial effects early-stage diabetes other lifestyle-related Salacia-based dietary supplements health foods gaining popularity Japan countries recent years. However, due morphological similarities between plants, particularly medicinally parts (roots stems), authentication botanical identities Salacia-derived products is challenging. This study aims develop a genetic approach authenticate determine sources commercially available products. sequences nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) chloroplast trnK-rps16 region were determined compared 10 plant specimens from three well 48 samples commercial crude drugs. Moreover, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay was developed rapid identification based on ITS sequences. showed main types both (types I, II, III) (i, ii, iii) regions. Combined regions, S. reticulata oblonga had type I-i III-iii or similar sequences, respectively. chinensis II-ii II(536M)-i Forty-eight drugs identified barcode. A convenient PCR-RFLP using Cac8I restriction enzyme established applied identify food purchased online retailers. All twelve chinensis. nrDNA provided useful information elucidate phylogenetic relationship within genus. Genetic results revealed that are major Salacia-products. Based their derived