DNA sequencing in taxonomic authentication of medicinal geophytes.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Use of dna sequencing as advanced tool in taxonomic authentication and phylogeny of geophytes of medicinal importance.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Sanjay Jagtap
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Use of dna sequencing as advanced tool in taxonomic authentication and phylogeny of geophytes of medicinal importance.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Curcuma pseudomontana, commonly known as Hill Turmeric, is an endemic geophyte from the Zingiberaceae family found in the Western and Eastern Ghats of peninsular India. This species plays a significant role in traditional medicine among various tribes in Andhra Pradesh, who utilize its rhizomes for treating ailments like jaundice, diabetes, and other diseases. However, accurate taxonomic identification of this plant and its medicinal properties has become increasingly challenging due to habitat loss and the complexities involved in classical plant taxonomy. This study aims to authenticate and establish the phylogenetic relationships of Curcuma pseudomontana through DNA sequencing, specifically by generating ribulose-15-bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcl) gene sequences.
Importance of DNA Sequencing in Taxonomy
The use of DNA sequencing as an advanced tool in taxonomic identification has proved essential, particularly in the context of medicinal plants. Traditional methods based on morphological characteristics and chemical analyses often face limitations due to sample variability and the complexity of chemical constituents. DNA offers a more reliable means of authentication since it can be extracted from various forms of plant tissue and is unique for each species. The study of rbcL gene sequences in Curcuma pseudomontana serves as a potent example of how molecular markers can aid in the accurate authentication and standardization of medicinal plant species crucial for therapeutic applications.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Curcuma pseudomontana
Through the study of the rbcl gene sequence, the phylogenetic relationships of Curcuma pseudomontana were analyzed and compared with other species within the genus Curcuma. The Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree derived from the DNA sequences showed that the specimens collected were closely related to Curcuma aromatica. This molecular phylogenetic analysis, conducted using software such as MEGA version 6, helps in confirming the identity of the plant at a genetic level, thereby increasing the accuracy of species identification and guiding future research into the phylogenetic relationships among Curcuma species.
Implications for Conservation and Traditional Medicine
The significant decline in the population of Curcuma pseudomontana, attributed to habitat loss and overharvesting, necessitates urgent conservation efforts. The study's findings underscore the importance of molecular techniques in safeguarding traditional medicinal practices by ensuring the correct identification of plant species used for these practices. By improving the authentication processes and establishing genetic relationships through DNA sequencing, this research can help preserve not only the integrity of traditional medicine but also contribute to the broader conservation of biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research highlights the efficacy of utilizing DNA sequencing in the taxonomic authentication and phylogenetic understanding of Curcuma pseudomontana. The identification and confirmation of its identity through molecular methods not only enhances our understanding of this medicinal plant but also fosters the need for conservation efforts aimed at preserving it. This study serves as a significant step forward in ensuring that the medicinal potential of geophytes like Curcuma pseudomontana is recognized and harnessed sustainably in the future.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Curcuma pseudomontana and its medicinal uses?
Curcuma pseudomontana, known as Hill Turmeric, is a geophyte from the Western Ghats. Its rhizome is beneficial against leprosy, dysentery, and cardiac issues. Local tribes use it for treating jaundice and diabetes.
Why is DNA sequencing important for medicinal plant authentication?
DNA sequencing provides accurate authentication of medicinal plants beyond traditional morphological methods. It helps ensure the correct species is used, vital for safety and efficacy in medical applications.
How was the DNA of Curcuma pseudomontana extracted?
DNA extraction from Curcuma pseudomontana rhizomes was performed using a commercial kit. The extracted DNA was quantified and stored for subsequent PCR amplification and sequencing.
What role does rbcl gene play in this study?
The rbcl gene sequences were generated to determine the phylogenetic relationships of Curcuma pseudomontana with other species. It aids in identifying genetic similarities and authenticating species.
What is the conservation status of Curcuma pseudomontana?
Curcuma pseudomontana has a Vulnerable conservation status due to habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal trade. Populations in the Western and Eastern Ghats have significantly declined.
What methodologies were used in this research study?
The study involved sampling, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and bioinformatics analysis using NCBI tools to establish phylogenetic relationships among Curcuma species.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淒NA sequencing in taxonomic authentication of medicinal geophytes.鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Species:
In botanical context, 'species' refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It is the basic unit of classification in the taxonomy of plants, vital to understanding organismal diversity. Identifying the species accurately ensures appropriate use in medicine and conservation efforts.
2) Ghat (Gha峁�, Gham):
The term 'Ghat' denotes a series of mountain ranges in India, specifically referring to the Western and Eastern Ghats. These regions are recognized for their rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic plant species like Curcuma pseudomontana, which plays an important role in traditional medicine and ecological balance.
3) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their physiology, structure, growth, and distribution. As a discipline, it is crucial for understanding plant life, including medicinal plants like Curcuma pseudomontana. Research in botany informs conservation efforts and promotes sustainable use of plant resources.
4) India:
India is a nation with diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, each supporting unique flora and fauna. The country's varying climates allow the growth of numerous medicinal plants like Curcuma pseudomontana, which has significant cultural and traditional importance in various tribal communities across different Indian states.
5) Savara (艢avara, Shavara, 艢膩vara):
The Savara are an indigenous tribal community in Andhra Pradesh, known for their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. They utilize Curcuma pseudomontana and its extracts for healing purposes, particularly for treating jaundice. Their practices highlight the importance of ethnobotany in preserving indigenous culture and knowledge.
6) Family:
In biological classification, 'family' is a higher taxonomic rank that groups related plant genera. For Curcuma pseudomontana, this is the Zingiberaceae family, which encompasses many important medicinal and culinary plants. Understanding family relationships aids in taxonomical studies and biodiversity conservation efforts.
7) Tree:
In this context, 'tree' refers to a phylogenetic tree鈥攁 diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various species based on genetic data. This method helps scientists understand relationships between different species of the Curcuma genus and aids in the identification of plant species for medicinal use.
8) Turmeric:
Turmeric is a common name for Curcuma longa, a closely related species to Curcuma pseudomontana, valued for its medicinal properties. It is widely used as a spice and in traditional medicine. The study of geophytes like turmeric contributes to the understanding of their therapeutic uses.
9) Valmiki (V膩lm墨ki, V膩lmiki):
The Valmiki tribe, another indigenous community in Andhra Pradesh, utilizes Curcuma pseudomontana for medicinal purposes. Their traditional practices underscore the cultural significance and ethnobotanical value of medicinal plants within tribal societies, and the need for preservation of their traditional knowledge.
10) Andhra (膧ndhra, Amdhra):
Andhra Pradesh is a state in India known for its diverse flora, including many medicinal plants. The state is home to tribes like Savara and Valmiki who employ plants like Curcuma pseudomontana in their traditional healing practices, adding to the cultural richness of the region.
11) Powder:
In the context of medicinal plants, 'powder' refers to the ground form of plant materials, like the rhizomes of Curcuma pseudomontana. Powders are commonly used in herbal medicine, but their identification and authentication are challenging, necessitating methods such as DNA sequencing for accuracy.
12) Water:
Water is essential for plant growth and affects the physiological processes of plants. In the study, plants were thoroughly washed to remove any contaminants, crucial before proceeding with DNA extraction and other analytical methods, ensuring the reliability of molecular results.
13) Genu (Ge峁噓):
In botanical taxonomy, 'genu' relates to the genus, a rank that groups species sharing common characteristics. Understanding the genus of Curcuma is vital for its classification and the study of its phylogenetic relationships, influencing its identification and medicinal applications.
14) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, known as turmeric, is a closely related species to Curcuma pseudomontana, sharing similar medicinal properties. Both belong to the Zingiberaceae family, and studies on their molecular relationships can enhance the understanding of their therapeutic applications in traditional medicine.
15) Maharashtra (Mah膩r膩峁ａ弓ra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in India that encompasses part of the Western Ghats, where Curcuma pseudomontana is found. The state is significant in terms of biodiversity and traditional medicine practices, emphasizing the importance of conserving its unique flora.
16) Karnataka (Kar峁嚹佱弓aka):
Karnataka, neighboring Maharashtra, is another Indian state home to diverse flora. The presence of species like Curcuma pseudomontana in this region emphasizes the need for collaborative conservation efforts across state boundaries to preserve endemic medicinal plants and their habitats.
17) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment in which an organism lives. Understanding the specific habitats of plants like Curcuma pseudomontana helps in conservation efforts, as changes or destruction of these environments due to human activities can threaten the survival of such species.
18) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease traditionally treated using various medicinal plants. Curcuma pseudomontana has been reported to have benefits against leprosy, highlighting the significance of studying indigenous plants for novel therapeutic compounds in tackling such diseases.
19) Disease:
In botanical and pharmaceutical discussions, 'disease' often refers to health conditions that traditional medicines aim to alleviate. Curcuma pseudomontana is linked with treating several conditions, illustrating the role of plant-derived remedies in addressing various diseases prevalent in traditional practices.
20) Science (Scientific):
Scientific methods underpin all research initiatives, employing rigorous techniques to produce reliable and reproducible findings. The study on Curcuma pseudomontana relied on such methodologies, from DNA sequencing to bioinformatics analysis, establishing a scientifically-backed framework for understanding the plant鈥檚 characteristics.
21) Kerala (Keral膩):
Kerala, bordered by the Western Ghats, is another Indian state known for its rich biodiversity. The presence of Curcuma pseudomontana and other medicinal plants underlines the state鈥檚 significance in traditional medicine and the need for research to sustain its valuable plant heritage.
22) Pune:
Pune is a city in Maharashtra where samples of Curcuma pseudomontana were collected. The city serves as a hub for botanical research and education, contributing to the understanding of medicinal plants and their conservation through various academic institutions.
23) Inci (I帽ci, Imci, Inc墨):
In botanical studies, measurements are sometimes necessary for describing plant dimensions. The term 'inch' can refer to the measurement of various plant parts, essential for precise documentation as part of scientific research that verifies morphological characteristics of plant species.
24) Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvanantha-puram, Tiru-anantapuram, Tiruva峁塧ntapuram, Tiruvanantapuram, Tiruananta-puram):
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a significant area for biodiversity and traditional medicine. The region's ecology supports various endemic species, including medicinal plants, making it crucial for conservation efforts and ethnobotanical research focused on indigenous knowledge.
25) Purification:
Purification in the context of DNA extraction refers to the process of isolating DNA from plant samples to ensure the removal of contaminants. This step is vital for accurate molecular analysis, allowing researchers to investigate the genetic authenticity of medicinal plants.
26) Performance:
Performance relates to the effectiveness of experimental methodologies in scientific research, including DNA extraction and sequencing. High-performance techniques ensure reliable results that confirm the taxonomic identification of Curcuma pseudomontana and enhance understanding of its phylogenetic relationships.
27) Discussion:
Discussion sections in scientific articles synthesize findings and contextualize them within existing literature. In the study of Curcuma pseudomontana, the discussion would explore implications of molecular data, traditional uses, and conservation initiatives, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the species in question.
28) Similarity:
Similarity refers to the degree of genetic relatedness between species, often assessed through molecular phylogenetic analysis. The study indicated a close similarity between Curcuma pseudomontana and Curcuma aromatica, providing insights into their evolutionary relationships and potential uses in medicine.
29) Ratnagiri (Ratna-giri):
Ratnagiri, a district in Maharashtra, is also part of the Western Ghats and supports unique flora. Awareness of its rich biodiversity, including medicinal plants like Curcuma pseudomontana, is integral to conservation efforts and understanding the distribution of geophytes in the region.
30) Container:
In the laboratory, a 'container' refers to any storage medium for preserving biological samples, such as the powdered rhizomes of plants. Appropriate containers are essential for maintaining sample integrity during the research process, facilitating reliable molecular biology work.
31) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the use of herbs and plant-based treatments. Curcuma pseudomontana plays a role in Ayurvedic practices, showcasing the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern scientific research in the field of medicinal plants.
32) Khandala (Kha峁囜笉ala):
Khandala is a district in Maharashtra from which Curcuma pseudomontana samples were collected. The ecological characteristics of Khandala contribute to the diversity of plant species, emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural landscapes for ongoing research and preservation of medicinal plants.
33) Palakkad:
Palakkad is a district in Kerala known for its ecological richness and various plant species, including Curcuma pseudomontana. Its significance lies in supporting traditional medicinal practices and biodiversity, essential for ongoing conservation and ethnobotanical studies in the region.
34) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. The study of plants like Curcuma pseudomontana contributes to the field of medicine, particularly in uncovering potential therapeutic applications based on traditional and scientific evidence.
35) Swelling:
Swelling can refer to the physiological response of tissues, often treated using traditional remedies. Curcuma pseudomontana is documented for its use in alleviating swellings among tribal groups, demonstrating the practical applications of botanicals in traditional healing practices.
36) Marathi (Mar膩峁環墨, Mar膩thi):
Marathi is the language spoken in Maharashtra, where Curcuma pseudomontana is found. The regional terminology enhances understanding of local traditional practices and helps in eliciting knowledge from communities about their use of plants in herbal medicine.
37) Halada (Hala岣嵞�):
Halada refers to the local name for turmeric in some Indian languages. Understanding such vernacular names aids in the recognition and use of medicinal plants, promoting greater cultural awareness and documentation of traditional knowledge associated with these species.
38) Raigad:
Raigad is another district in Maharashtra recognized for its ecological diversity. Its proximity to the Western Ghats makes it significant for plant conservation. The region's unique flora, including Curcuma pseudomontana, emphasizes the need for long-term ecological and botanical studies.
39) Forest:
Forests are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity and provide habitat for numerous plant species, including Curcuma pseudomontana. The health of these environments is essential not only for conservation but also for sustaining traditional practices and natural medicines used by local communities.
40) Thane:
Thane, situated in Maharashtra, is part of the Western Ghats and contributes to the region's rich biodiversity. The area's unique plant species help in understanding the ecological significance and conservation needs of geophytes, especially those used in traditional medicine.
41) Hindi (Hi峁囜笉墨, Hi峁僤墨, Himdi, Hind墨):
Hindi is a widely spoken language in India, serving as a crucial medium for transmission of traditional knowledge around medicinal plants. Information shared in Hindi enhances accessibility for broader audiences and aids in the preservation of ethnobotanical wisdom within various communities.
42) Trade:
Trade in medicinal plants involves the exchange and commercialization of plant-based remedies. Such practices can impact the sustainability of species like Curcuma pseudomontana and highlight the importance of establishing ethical sourcing and conservation practices to protect valuable resources.
43) Tamil (Tami岣�):
Tamil is one of the languages spoken in Southern India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Understanding plant names in Tamil, such as 'Kattu manjal' for Curcuma pseudomontana, is essential for recognizing regional herbal knowledge and practices in traditional healing.
44) Blood:
In traditional medicine, some plants, including Curcuma pseudomontana, are believed to purify the blood and enhance health. Such attributes are significant in ethnobotanical studies, linking cultural beliefs and practices to the scientific exploration of medicinal properties.
45) Study (Studying):
Study denotes the systematic inquiry into a subject matter, such as the molecular analysis of plants for authentication. This specific study on Curcuma pseudomontana exemplifies how scientific methods contribute to the validation of traditional herbal practices and enhance knowledge of botanical diversity.
46) Kaya (K膩ya):
The Kaya tribe is known for using plant-based remedies in their traditional healing practices. Their reliance on plants like Curcuma pseudomontana illustrates the intersection of culture, medicinal knowledge, and the need for preserving traditional uses of native flora.
47) Life:
Life refers to the biochemical processes and interactions that sustain living organisms. The study of plant life, including medicinal species, underscores the importance of biodiversity and contributes significantly to our understanding of ecological health and conservation strategies. This knowledge supports sustainable practices.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�DNA sequencing in taxonomic authentication of medicinal geophytes.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Therapeutic use, Western Ghats, Medicinal importance, Nutritional properties, High performance liquid chromatography, Plant species, Mechanical grinder, Habitat loss, Molecular identification, Traditional medicinal plant, Plant taxonomy, Medical formulations, PCR amplification, Bioinformatics analysis, Gel electrophoresis, Phylogenetic tree, Department of Botany, DNA sequencing, Phylogenetic relationship, Ethno-pharmacological studies, Department of Biotechnology, Crude powder, Tribal medicinal practices.