Identifying the Species of Seeds in Traditional Chinese Medicine Using DNA Barcoding.

ABSTRACT: Seed is not only the main reproductive organ of most of herbal plants but also an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Seed TCMs possess important medicinal properties and have been widely used as components of pharmaceutical products. In parallel with the increasing popularity and accessibility of seeds as medicinal products in recent years, numerous substitutes and adulterants have also appeared on the market. Due to the small volume and similar appearances of many seed TCMs, they are very difficult to accurately identify the constituent plant species through organoleptic methods. Usage of the wrong herb may be ineffective or may worsen the condition and even cause death. Correct identification of seed herbal medicines is therefore essential for their safe use. Here, we

SUBMITTER: Xiong C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6037847 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature