Identification of Ginseng Radix in Chinese Medicine Preparations by Nested PCR-DNA Sequencing Method and Nested PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism

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Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2010, Pages 58-63

Identification of Ginseng Radix in Chinese Medicine Preparations by Nested PCR-DNA Sequencing Method and Nested PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism

KANG-TSU LU1*, HUI-CHUN LEE1, FANG-SU LIU1, CHI-FANG LO1 AND JER-HUEI LIN1,2

1. Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan, R. O. C.

2. Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.

(Received: August 17, 2009; Accepted: December 25, 2009)

ABSTRACT

Ginseng Radix, the dried root of Panax ginseng, is easily confused with other herbs of the Panax species by appearance. In

Chinese medicine preparations, it is difficult to identify misuse of Ginseng Radix. In this study, the nested PCR and DNA

sequencing methods were established for the identification of Ginseng Radix, whereas the combination of nested PCR and restric

tion fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) could differentiate Ginseng Radix from other Panax species and thus certify the use of

impure raw material of Ginseng Radix in Chinese medicine preparations. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing methods were applied

to verify ginseng ingredients in the preparations. Of the 58 samples analyzed, 48 samples contained P. ginseng, 8 P. quinguefolius,

and 2 P. notoginseng. Utilizing restriction enzyme BstYI and DdeI, nested PCR products of the samples were digested for restric

tion fragment lengths of polymorphism (RFLP). It was proven that 23 of the 58 samples contained a mixture of Ginseng Radix

and Panacis quinquefolii Radix. Twenty-five samples contained pure raw material of Ginseng Radix. Ginseng components of 10

samples were confirmed using a substitute of P. quinguefolius or P. notoginseng. The RFLP results were consistent with those of the

sequencing method results.

Key words: Panax ginseng, Ginseng Radix, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nested PCR, DNA sequencing, Restriction Fragment

Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

INTRODUCTION

Ginseng Radix, the dried root of Panax ginseng, also known as ginseng, is the most popular Chinese medicinal herb. In an ancient medicinal book, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, written before A.D. 100, ginseng was used for repairing the ve viscera, quieting the spirit, curbing emotions, stopping agitation, removing noxious inuences, brightening the eyes, enlightening the mind, and increasing wisdom. Ginseng extracts have been used as a commercial dietary supplement. Current research suggests that the main components...