Identification of Andrographis Herba and its common products using mini-barcode

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Molecular Biology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Andrographis Herba, from Andrographis paniculata, is widely used for infectious diseases but often confused with related species.
• Traditional processing of Chinese medicinal herbs complicates identification, posing a challenge for quality control.
• Conventional identification methods have limitations, highlighting the need for advanced techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a reliable DNA barcoding method for identifying Andrographis paniculata and its processed forms.
• To address the growing issue of species and processed material misidentification in the herbal medicine market.

Main Methods:

• Collected 17 reference materials, 2 decoctions, 27 commercial products, and 2 adulterants of Andrographis Herba.
• Utilized the ITS2 sequence for initial species identification.
• Designed a specific 71 bp nucleotide signature and developed primers for amplifying this region in processed materials.

Main Results:

• The ITS2 sequence successfully differentiated Andrographis paniculata from adulterants.
• The designed nucleotide signature proved highly conserved within A. paniculata and specific, distinguishing it from other species.
• The developed DNA barcoding method accurately identified processed Andrographis Herba.

Conclusions:

• A rapid and cost-effective DNA barcoding method was established for authenticating Andrographis paniculata.
• This method can ensure the quality of Andrographis Herba throughout the supply chain for clinical use.
• DNA barcoding offers a promising solution for identifying processed medicinal materials and combating adulteration.