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Biological composition analysis of a natural medicine, Faeces Vespertilionis, with complex sources using DNA
Xiaoying Zhang1, Wenxiu Wang1, Xiaolei Yu1
1State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
Scientific Reports
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Faeces Vespertilionis, a traditional Chinese medicine, was analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. This method accurately identified bat species and consumed insects, improving quality control for this complex biological mixture.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Genomics
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Faeces Vespertilionis is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) derived from bat feces.
- Traditional identification relies on morphology, challenging accurate composition analysis.
- Quality control requires precise taxonomic identification of this complex biological mixture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accurate and effective method for taxonomic identification of Faeces Vespertilionis.
- To analyze the biological composition of Faeces Vespertilionis samples.
- To enhance quality control measures for this TCM.
Main Methods:
- DNA metabarcoding was employed to analyze 26 Faeces Vespertilionis samples from ten Chinese provinces.
- Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified to determine host bat species.
- Biodiversity analysis was conducted to identify consumed insect taxa.
Main Results:
- Seven bat OTUs were detected, with Hipposideros armiger (59.3%) and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (24.1%) identified as primary host sources.
- Biodiversity analysis revealed Diptera and Lepidoptera as the most frequently consumed insect orders.
- Nineteen distinct insect species were identified at the species level.
Conclusions:
- DNA metabarcoding provides a novel and effective approach for the taxonomic identification of Faeces Vespertilionis.
- This method enhances the accuracy of composition analysis, crucial for TCM quality control.
- The study establishes a foundation for improved quality assurance of Faeces Vespertilionis.
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