Forensic Identification of Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz) Using DNA Barcoding |
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Authors: | Marcel C M Eurlings BAS Frederic Lens PhD Csilla Pakusza BSc Tamara Peelen PhD Jan J Wieringa PhD Barbara Gravendeel PhD |
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Institution: | 1. Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, NHN, Leiden University, , Leiden, RA, 2300 The Netherlands;2. Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, GE, 1090 The Netherlands;3. Dutch Customs Laboratory, , Kingsfordweg 1, Amsterdam, GN, 1043 The Netherlands;4. Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, NHN, Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, , Wageningen, BL, 6703 The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina) is a valuable forest product, root extracts of which are used as an antihypertensive drug. Increasing demand led to overharvesting in the wild. Control of international trade is hampered by the inability to identify root samples to the species level. We therefore evaluated the potential of molecular identification by searching for species‐specific DNA polymorphisms. We found two species‐specific indels in the rps16 intron region for R. serpentina. Our DNA barcoding method was tested for its specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity and stability. We included samples of various tissues and ages, which had been treated differently for preservation. DNA extractions were tested in a range of amplification settings and dilutions. Species‐specific rps16 intron sequences were obtained from 79 herbarium accessions and one confiscated root, encompassing 39 different species. Our results demonstrate that molecular analysis provides new perspectives for forensic identification of Indian snakeroot. |
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Keywords: | forensic science DNA typing Apocynaceae
CITES
medicinal plants
Rauvolfia
rps16 intron |
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