Identification of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma by PCR-RFLP / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveIn recent years， with the sharp decline of wild resources in Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma and the immaturity of medicinal cultivation technology， their adulterants have appeared frequently in the market， and the main identifying characteristics have mostly disappeared in the circulation of medicinal materials. Therefore， there is an urgent need to establish a molecular identification method that can quickly and effectively identify the specificity of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma. MethodAfter comparison of the rbcL sequences of Arisaematis Rhizoma，Pinelliae Rhizoma， and their adulterants， the specific enzyme cleavage sites Hae Ⅲ and Dra Ⅰ of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma， respectively， were selected and identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism（PCR-RFLP）. The main system conditions of PCR-RFLP reaction were established and optimized， and their durability and the ability to detect genuine， adulterants， and mixed counterfeits were investigated. ResultThe PCR-RFLP identification method of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma was established. After specific primer amplification， Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma could be digested by Hae Ⅲ and Dra Ⅰ-restricted endonucleases respectively， at annealing temperature of 54 ℃， the number of cycles of 35， and the amount of DNA template of 3-30 ng， producing two fragments or small cut fragments with a single band between 100-250 bp， whereas the mixed counterfeits were not cleaved and both showed a band at 250 bp. The method is highly accurate in identifying adulterants and mixed counterfeits of Arisaematis Rhizoma or Pinelliae Rhizoma. ConclusionThe PCR-RFLP method developed in this study allows for the rapid identification of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma.

Specific PCR Identification of Hibisci Cortex and Its Adulterants Based on DNA Signature Sequence Tags / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveUncommon medicinal herbs are valuable medicinal resources， but their identification is a difficult problem in Chinese medicine due to their particularity and complexity. It is， therefore， urgent to establish a method for the identification of uncommon medicinal herbs. In this study， DNA signature sequence （DSS） tags were used to establish a specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） identification method for Hibisci Cortex， the origin plant of Hibisci Cortex， and its adulterants. MethodThe candidate DSS tags were obtained from the chloroplast genome sequence analysis， and the DSS tags were verified by DNA sequencing. The specific identification primers for H. syriacus were designed based on the obtained reliable DSS tags. The PCR reaction conditions were optimized， and the tolerance and feasibility were investigated. ResultA DSS tag for identification of H. syriacus was obtained from the comparison of sequencing results of the amplified products with DSS， which revealed the distinguishing characteristics of Hibisci Cortex and its adulterants. A pair of specific primers for H. syriacus was designed according to the DSS tag. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis with the primers， a single bright band of about 270 bp was observed from H. syriacus， which did not appear in the four adulterants. ConclusionA DSS tag obtained in this study can be used to identify H. syriacus. The specific primers designed based on this DSS tag can accurately and simply identify the original plant of Hibisci Cortex and its adulterants， which provides a new method and idea for the molecular identification of genuine and counterfeit products of Hibisci Cortex.

Identification of Microscopic Characteristics of Amomum villosum from Different Habitats and Its Adulterants / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To identify Amomum villosum from different habitats and its adulterants. METHODS ：Through the identification methods of microscopic characteristics ，microscopic characteristics maps of 9 batches of A. villosum from genuine producing areas ，domestic commercially available A. villosum and its adulterants were obtained. The feature maps were extracted digitally and analyzed by SPSS 21.0 software. RESULTS ：Commercially available A. villosum was mainly from Guangdong ， Guangxi，Yunnan and Fujian ；the collected adulterants of A. villosum included A. villosum Lour. var. xanthioides T.L.Wu et Senjen ， A. aurantiacum H. T. Tsai et S. W. Zhao and other A. species from Yunnan Xishuangbanna ， Laos and Myanmar. Under the microscope，it was observed that microscopic characteristics of surface （such as exocarp color ，prickle，non-glandular hairs ， endocarp color ，endocarp oil chamber ） of A. villosum from different habitats and its adulterants were different. There was statistically significant difference in fruit width values and endocarp oil point diameter among all samples （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS：The microscopic characteristics maps of A. villosum from different habitats and its adulterants by the microscopic characteristics identification methods will make up for the deficiency of traditional experience identification. The quantitative analysis of micro-property and the establishment of micro-property database of A. villosum can provide reference for the property identification and quality control of this medicinal material.

Molecular authentication of Sarcandra glabra and its adulterants using three DNA molecular markers / 中草药

Objective: To identify Sarcandra glabra and its adulterants using three DNA molecular markers including 18 S rRNA gene, ITS2 sequence and SCAR marker, and then provide the basis for its molecular authentication. Methods: 18 S rRNA gene sequence of S. glabra was obtained by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing, and then Blast comparison was made in NCBI. The ITS2 sequence of S. glabra was obtained by PCR amplification, sequencing and annotation in ITS2 Database. In the meanwhile, the ITS2 sequences of adulterants and other plants were collected from GenBank. Using MEGA5.5, the genetic distance was calculated between species and then the ITS2 sequences were aligned to construct a phylogenetic clustering tree. SCAR molecular marker of S. glabra was obtained by RAPD. After cloning and sequencing, specific primers were designed to amplify S. glabra and its adulterants. Results: The length of 18 S rRNA obtained in our research was 1 820 bp. Blast comparison revealed that there was 99% homology between S. glabra and Chloranthaceae, which proved to be 18 S rRNA gene of S. glabra. The length of the ITS2 sequence in our research was 500 bp. Genetic distance between S.glabra and its adulterants ranged from 0.190 to 0.219, which was far more than genetic distance among adulterants (0.000-0.074). Cluster analysis showed that S. glabra and its adulterants respectively clustered into a different branch, which was far away from other plants. In our research, we obtained SCAR molecular marker of S. glabra and then a pair of specific primers were designed. Using the pair of specific primers, specific products were amplified from genomic DNA of S. glabra, but no specific products were obtained from that of its adulterants. Conclusion: We could authenticate S. glabra and its adulterants effectively with the combination of three molecular markers for establishing a novel method to identify S. glabra and its adulterants, which provides a new idea for the authentication of S. glabra.

Content Determination of 17 Kinds of Amino Acids in Sargassum and Its Adulterants / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To establish the method for content determination of 17 kinds of amino acids in Sargassum and its adulterants，and to carry out cluster analysis ，so as to provide reference for quality control of Sargassum. METHODS ：Totally of 18 batches of sample （S1-S6 as certified product ，S7-S18 as adulterants ）were collected. After acid hydrolysis ，amino acids contents were detected by using automatic amino acid analyzer. The separation was performed on LCAK 06/Na sulfonic acid cation exchange resin column with mobile phase consisted of buffer-regeneration system （gradient elution ）at the flow rate of 0.45 mL/min （elution pump ）and 0.25 mL/min（derivative pump ）. The detection wavelengths were set at 440 nm（proline）and 570 nm（other amino acids ），and the sample size volume was 50 μL. PASW Statistics 18.0 software was used ，and cluster analysis was conducted by using group connection method of cluster analysis with “square Euclidean distance ”as the measurement standard. RESULTS ：17 kinds of amino acids were well separated without interference from blank sample. The linear relationship between mass concentration and peak area was good （all r were over 0.998），and the upper and lower limits of the linear range were 48.06 μg/L （cystine）and 1.501 μg/L（glycine），respectively；RSDs of precision ，reproducibility and stability tests were lower than 2％. The average recoveries were between 90.60％-101.56％（RSDs were 0.88％-2.15％，n＝6）. 17 kinds of amino acids were detected in Sargassum and its adulterants ，among which the contents of glutamic acid ，aspartic acid ，leucine，alanine，glycine and valine were relatively high . Results of cluster analysis showed that 18 batches of sample were clustered into 4 categories，i.e. S 1-S6 into one category；S7-S9 into one category ；S10-S12，S16-S18 into one category ；S13-S15 into one category ；which was consistent with the identification result of Sargassum and its adulterants . CONCLUSIONS ：The method is simple ， rapid， accurate and reproducible，and can be used for the quantitative analysis and identification of amino acids in Sargassum and adulterants.

Identification Study on Cryptotympana pustulata Ecdysis Based on 3D Depth of Field Synthesis Technology / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To establish the rapid field identification method of Cryptotympana pustulata ecdysis. METHODS ： 3D depth of field synthesis technology was used to identify 50 batches of C. pustulata ecdysis and its adulterants from the length of beak ，size and protrusion degree of upper labial base ，the protrusion degree of the lower labial base ecdysis and the color of its upper transverse groove ，the number and shape of main and lateral spines on the foot ，significance of abdominal valves ，the number of webs ，the number and shape of side plates ，the number of tergum rings ，terminaliae，etc. RESULTS ：Among 50 batches of samples ，S1-S5，S26-S30，S36-S50 were C. pustulata ecdysis；S21-S25 was adulterants of C. pustulata ecdysis after weight gain ；S31-S35 was adulterants of C. pustulata ecdysis after extraction ；S6-S20 were ecdysis from Tibicen flammatus ，C. flammatta，Lyristes pekinensis ，all of which were adulterants. The main distinguishing feature of C. pustulata ecdysis and its adulterants was that abdomen and ventral surface of C. pustulata ecdysis were triangular ，and the abdomen and ventral surface of other species was nearly parallel ；the valve of C. flammatta ecdysis was obvious ，but those of other varieties were not obvious ；the lateral appearance of terminaliae of C. flammatta ecdysis was sharper than those of other species ；there was an acute angle between the front foot accessory thorns and the end thorns of the T. flammatus ecdysis，and an obtuse angle between the front foot accessory thorns and the end thorns of the L. pekinensis ecdysis. CONCLUSIONS ：The method is simple ，reliable and suitable for rapid field identification of C. pustulata ecdysis and its adulterants.

Molecular Identification of Bupleurum chinense Seeds Based on DNA Barcoding Technology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish a molecular identification method for Bupleurum chinense seeds based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence, ensuring the species authenticity of the cultivated seeds of B. chinense. Method:A total of 59 seeds samples of B. chinense and its main cultivated species, marketed B. chinense were collected. The effect of different sampling amounts and different water bath conditions on DNA extraction quality of the seeds was investigated, a DNA extraction method for seeds of Bupleurum was established. Their ITS sequences were obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bidirectional sequencing. In addition, 34 ITS sequences of main cultivated Bupleurum species, such as B. chinense, B. scorzonerifolium, B. falcatum and B. smithii, were downloaded from GenBank to enrich identification database of B. chinense seeds. The neighbor-joining (NJ) dendrogram were constructed by MEGA-X 10.0.5 software to investigate the the species identification ability of ITS sequences for B. chinense seeds. And DNA barcoding identification of marketed B. chinense seeds was conducted based on BLAST method and NJ dendrogram method. Result:In total, 59 ITS sequences were obtained. ITS sequences of B. chinense could be divided into six haplotypes, including seven variable sites. The NJ dendrogram indicated that all the haplotypes of B. chinense could form independent branches, which could be distinguished from other cultivated species of Bupleurum in the collected samples, and possessed the ability to identify species of B. chinense seeds. Based on ITS sequence barcoding identification, 3 of the 19 marketed B. chinense seeds were B. falcatum with a counterfeit rate of 15.8%. Conclusion:DNA barcoding technology based on ITS sequence can accurately and reliably identify B. chinense seeds and its adulterants, providing reference for the standardization construction of Chinese medicinal materials seeds.

Adulterants in crack cocaine in Brazil / Adulterantes no crack vendido na "Cracolândia"

Abstract Introduction Brazil is the world's biggest consumer of crack cocaine, and dependence is a major public health issue. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of potentially harmful adulterants present in hair samples from Brazilian patients with crack cocaine dependence. Method We evaluated adulterants in hair samples extracted by convenience from 100 patients admitted at the 48 hour-observation unit of Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), Brazil's largest center for addiction treatment. A cross-sectional analysis was performed with the data obtained. Results Adulterants were found in 97% of the analyzed hair samples. The most prevalent adulterant was lidocaine (92%), followed by phenacetin (69%) and levamisole (31%). Conclusion Adulterants were widely prevalent in hair samples from crack users treated at CRATOD: at least one adulterant was present in virtually all the hair samples collected. This points to a need to monitor adverse effects in the clinical setting in order to provide this high-risk group of patients with prompt and effective care related to the acute and chronic complications associated with these adulterants.

Resumo Introdução O Brasil é o maior consumidor mundial de crack, e a dependência é um grande problema de saúde pública. Este é o primeiro estudo a investigar a prevalência de adulterantes potencialmente nocivos presentes em amostras de cabelo de pacientes brasileiros com dependência de crack. Métodos Foram avaliados adulterantes em amostras de cabelos extraídos por conveniência de 100 pacientes internados na unidade de observação de 48 horas do Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), o maior centro de tratamento de dependência do Brasil. Uma análise transversal foi realizada com os dados obtidos. Resultados Foram encontrados adulterantes em 97% das amostras de cabelo analisadas. O adulterante mais prevalente foi a lidocaína (92%), seguida da fenacetina (69%) e levamisol (31%). Conclusão Os adulterantes foram amplamente prevalentes em amostras de cabelo de usuários de crack tratados no CRATOD: pelo menos um adulterante estava presente em praticamente todas as amostras de cabelo coletadas. Isso aponta para a necessidade de monitorar os efeitos adversos no ambiente clínico, a fim de proporcionar a esse grupo de pacientes de alto risco cuidados imediatos e efetivos relacionados às complicações agudas e crônicas associadas a esses adulterantes.

Phylogenetic relationship analysis of common medicinal submetals and multiple real-time fluorescence PCR identification of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus / 中草药

Objective To investigate the feasibility of multiple real-time PCR for the detection of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and adulterants. Methods Based on the analysis of interspecies variation, genetic distance and phylogenetic relationship of ITS, psbA-trnH, rbcL and matK gene sequences, the genes with fast evolution rate, big interspecies variation and small intraspecies variation were selected as target genes. Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and adulterants specific primers and Taqman probes were designed to establish a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Methods were evaluated by comparison of specificity, sensitivity and mixed sample detection and sequencing. Results The ITS and psbA-trnH mutations were higher than rbcL and matK, and rbcL and matK were significantly lower than ITS and psbA-trnH genes by genetic distance analysis. And the sensitivity of the establish multiple real-time PCR using ITS as the target gene was 0.01 ng. Four samples of adulterants were detected in 18 samples, and the results were consistent with the results of NJ tree clustering analysis. Conclusion Based on the IIS region sequence as the target gene to establish multiple real-time fluorescence PCR detection method can successfully identify Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and its counterfeit goods, which provides a new basis for the authenticity of identification.

Molecular identification of Tougucao and its adulterants based on ITS2 sequence / 中草药

Objective: ITS2 barcoding was used to discriminate Tougucao and its adulterants in order to provide a new method for the identification of Tougucao. Methods: The total genomic DNAs were extracted from 35 samples of Tougucao and its adulterants. The ITS2 sequences of these samples were amplified and bidirectional sequenced by PCR. The obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank and the ITS2 sequences of 42 samples belonging to 13 species were downloaded from the GenBank. Genetic distance, neighbor joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree and secondary structures of ITS2 sequences were analyzed by using MEGA 7.0. Results: The maximum intraspecific genetic distance (K2P distance) was much smaller than the minimum interspecific genetic distance between Tougucao and its adulterants. The NJ tree showed that Tougucao and its adulterants could be distinguished obviously, which showed high monophyly. Comparing the secondary structure of ITS2 among Tougucao and its adulterants, it was found that there were significant differences in the number, size, position of loop, and the angle of helix exsertion. Conclusion: As a DNA barcode, ITS2 sequences can stably and accurately distinguish Tougucao from its adulterants and it can also provide a new technique to ensure the clinical safety in utilization of Chinese materia medica.

Quality Evaluation of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum by Allele-specific PCR Method / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To screen the specific reverse primers of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum,duck gizzard membrane and goose gizzard membrane,and establish a specific PCR for molecular identifying Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and its common adulterants. Method: Based on the mutation sites on the 12S rRNA sequence,specific polymerase Chain reaction(PCR) identify primers were designed for chicken,duck and goose gizzard membrane. The specific PCR reaction conditions were optimized,and the PCR identification method was explored and verified in terms of tolerance and feasibility. Thirty batches of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum decoction pieces extracted from the test were identified. Result: Thirty batches of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum decoction pieces were detected using chicken-specific primers, 273 bp of specific bands was amplified and visualized on the agarose electrophoregram. When duck and goose primers were used,no corresponding amplified band was detected. Conclusion: The allele-specific PCR method can be used as a rapid and accurate method to identify Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum. It is a promise method for special sampling tasks of Chinese herbal medicine and decoction tablets nationwide.

On-site Identification of Medicinal Bubali Cornu by Recombinase- mediated Amplification Technique / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To establish a rapid on-site method for identifying Chinese medical material recombinase-mediated amplification (RAA) technology for the use of identifying medicinal Bubali Cornu from yak horn. Method: Based on the differences of mitochondrial genome sequences between Bubali Cornu and adulterants,the specific RAA primer (SNJ-1.F,SNJ-1.R) and fluorescence probe SNJ-1.probe were designed by variation sites. Alkaline lysis method was used to extract DNA from milled samples,and optimize RAA reaction system. The incubation was made at 37℃ for 15-20 min, the reaction results were monitored through gel electrophoresis and a mobile fluorescence amplification instrument. The RAA identification result was compared with COI DNA sequencing. Result: After incubation at 37℃ for 20 min,about 140 bp of bright and simple bands was amplified from DNA templates of Bubalus bubalis,whereas Bos mutus were negative. By the Real-time fluorescent RAA identify method,all reactions in DNAs from Bubali Cornu samples were amplified from 6.21 to 8.37 min,whereas DNAs from yak samples were amplified after 10.08 min,COI sequencing results conformed to the Real-time fluorescent RAA identification. Conclusion: Specific RAA could rapidly identify Bubali Cornu in 20 minutes, and thus be applied in medical material and its products. This method is simple,rapid and sophisticated instrument-free,with promises in on-site identification of traditional Chinese medicine.

Identification of Pheretima by Multiplex Allele-specific PCR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: In recent years,with the increase in the commodity price of medicinal pheretima,there have emerged increasing adulterates in the medicine market. Besides,the medicinal materials have mostly lost the main identification features, and are difficult to distinguish. Therefore,it is urgent to establish an accurate and stable method for the identification of pheretima. Method: According to the differences of COI gene DNA sequences among Pheretima aspergillum,Pheretima vulgaris,Pheretima guillelmi,Pheretima pectinifera and adulterants,the variation site was found,the specific primers were designed,the reaction conditions were optimized,and the polymerase Chain reaction(PCR) method for identification was explored and verified in terms of tolerance and feasibility in this study. The specific primers were combined to build multiple PCR systems. An effective,accurate,convenient,highly specific and repeatable Multiplex Allele-Specific PCR identification method was established for identifying medicinal pheretima and its common adulterants. Result: Through the established multiplex PCR reaction system, 366,487,487 and 475 bp of fragments were amplified from DNA templates of P. aspergillum,P. vulgaris,P. guillelmi and P.pectinifera respectively. All of the adulterants were negative by the multiplex PCR assay. The PCR amplification of specific alleles method established in this paper can accurately identify pheretima. Conclusion: The Multiplex Allele-Specific PCR identification method established in this paper can accurately identify medicinal pheretima and its adulterants.

Identification of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum and Cervi Cornu by Allele-specific PCR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To obtain a rapid,efficiency and convenient polymerase Chain reaction(PCR) identification method for medicinal Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum,Cervi Cornu and its common adulterates. Method: Based on three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of Cytb gene DNA sequences among Cervus nippon,C. elaphus and its adulterants,a pair of species-specific primers (LR-238.F and LR-238.R) was designed,the reaction conditions were optimized,and the PCR method for identification was explored and verified in terms of tolerance and feasibility. Result: Through the established allele-specific PCR method,under the annealing temperature of 56℃ and cycle number of 35,250 bp of fragments were amplified from DNA templates of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum,Cervi Cornu and its subspecies in origin animal samples as well as herbal medicines. All of the adulterants species of Przewalskium albirostris,Cervus eldi,Odocoileus hemionus,Dama dama,Alces alces,Elaphurus davidianus,Capreolus pygargus,Rusa unicolor and Rangifer tarandus were negative by the PCR assay. Conclusion: The identification primer is highly specific,and the allele-specific PCR identification method established in this paper can accurately identify the medicinal Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum and Cervi Cornu.

Specific PCR Method for Identification of Medicinal Scolopendra / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: Scolopendra was a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) with a good medicinal value. Nowadays, there have been increasingly more adulterates of Scolopendra in the medicine market. To ensure the safe and effectiveness of clinical medicines,a convenient and accurate specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method for identification of medicinal Scolopendra from its common adulterates was established. Method: Based on the differences of COI gene DNA sequences among Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans and adulterants,the specific primer was designed,the reaction conditions were optimized,and the PCR method for identification was explored and verified in terms of tolerance and feasibility. Besides,the original animal samples and medicine of Scolopendra were collected. Result: Through the established PCR reaction system,the bright and simple fragments of 500 bp was amplified from DNA templates of S. subspinipes mutilans. All of the adulterants were negative by the multiplex PCR assay,such as S. multidens,S. subspinipes,S. dehaani,S. hainanum. Conclusion: The identified primer is highly specific,and the specific PCR method established in this paper can accurately identify Scolopendra and its adulterants, so as to provide an excellent scientific basis for the identification of TCM Scolopendra. The method is simple and intuitive, and facilitates wide promotion and application of the method, with a broad application prospect in the identification of TCM.

Study on Fluorescence Identification of Microscopic Characteristics of Plantaginis Semen and Its Adulterants / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish a fluorescence identification method of the microscopic characteristics for Plantagin Semen and its adulterants， and to provide technical support for the market supervision and inspection of TCM decoction pieces. METHODS： Under visible and ultraviolet light， comparative study and identification of the Plantagin Semen （seeds of Platago asiatica L. and Platago depressa Willd.） and its adulterants as seeds of Platago major L.， fruits of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.， seeds of Codonopsis pilosula （Franch.） Nannf， seeds （peeled） of Kochia scoparia （L.） Schrad.， fruits of Bupleurum chinense DC. were carried out by means of stereoscopic fluorescence microscopy from aspects of overall surface characteristics， umbilicus characteristics and section characteristics. RESULTS： Under visible light， the surface texture of Plantagin Semen was wavy stripe or fine wrinkle， while the adulterants were wavy stripe， longitudinal edge or texture was not obvious. The umbilicus of Plantagin Semen was located in the center of the ventral surface， while that of adulterants were located at one end except for P. major. In the section of Plantagin Semen， there were obvious direct embryos， in which the adulterants were small or circular embryos except for P. major. Under ultraviolet light， P. asiatica had obvious wavy stripes in surface， orange and light blue-green fluorescence； P. depressa had grid-shaped wrinkles and gray-blue and gray-brown fluorescence； the umbilical fluorescence of Plantagin Semen was strong， and the fluorescence of the adulterants was weak except for S. tenuifolia. There were obvious differences in fluorescence color， embryo size and distribution between the section of Plantagin Semen and adulterants. CONCLUSIONS： The stereoscopic fluorescence microscopy is effect and accurate for the identification of Plantagin Semen.

Identification of Chinese medicinal materials Stellariae Radix and its adulterants using DNA barcoding / 药学学报

To accurately discriminate Stellariae Radix from its adulterants, four leading candidate DNA barcoding markers were evaluated. Sixty samples including Stellariae Radix and its adulterants have been newly collected and their total genomic DNA was extracted. Four DNA barcoding markers ITS, rbcL, psbA-trnH and matK were amplified and sequenced. Their sequence characteristic analyses, Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) distance calculation and Neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree constructions were accomplished using the MEGA 7.0 software. DNA Barcoding gaps of the four DNA barcoding markers were estimated by the distributions of inter- and intra-sequence specific variations. Species identification efficiency was calculated using the BLAST method. The results showed that ITS had the highest (95.2%) while matK demonstrated the lowest (75%) PCR and sequencing efficiency. The length range of the four markers were in the ranger of 211-797 bp, and the G+C content of ITS was highest (54.35%). The identification efficiency of matK and ITS was 92% and 90% respectively. Barcoding gap could be found in ITS sequences. The NJ phylogenetic tree constructed using ITS sequences showed that samples of Stellariae Radix were separately formed into one clade, and samples of adulterants like Stellaria bistyla were clearly belong to different branches from Stellariae Radix, whereas NJ trees constructed using psbA-trnH, rbcL and matK could not differentiate Stellariae Radix from its adulterants. Therefore, ITS regions as DNA barcodes can stably and accurately distinguished Stellariae Radix from its adulterants, and provide a new technique for modern identification of Stellariae Radix.

An Insight To The Pharmacognosy Of Shatavari (asparagus Racemosus Willd.)

Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari) belonging to the family Asparagaceae is a drug well known since ages. It is regarded as the queen of herbs. Shatavari is not only a potent medicine but is also used as a vegetable in many parts of the world. The therapeutic applicability of the drug extends from aphrodisiac, galactogogue, diuretic, tonic, styptic, antibacterial, and antimycotic. Inthe Ayurvedic samhitas, there is repeated mentioning of the drug in the treatment aspects of Rakthapitta (bleeding disorders), Sthanyavardhaka (galactogogue), Rakshoghna of Vranitha and Soothika (antimicrobial activity), and in Mutrakrchracikitsa (urinary disorders). This work aims at understanding the organoleptic features, microscopic details and powder microscopy of the tuberous root powder of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.). Even though the drug Shatavari is well known and used widely, detailed studies regarding the microscopic characters and the powder microscopy has not been documented in detail covering the entire aspects. In the light of authentic Pharmacopoeial texts, the cell constituents of the sample has been analysed and the powder microscopy also revealed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, pitted vessels, tracheids etc, which also affirms the genuineness of the source drug Shatavari. Yet another concern is with the widespread use of adulterants. Shweta musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum L.) is used instead of Shatavari at many places knowingly or unknowingly. Hence a thorough understanding of the genuine drug in terms of its microscopic as well as powder character is very much essential to prevent the adulteration as well as providing a key to the identification of plant source.

A Comprehensive Review On Adulteration Of Raw Materials Used In Asu Drug Manufacturing

Ayurveda is a system of Indian traditional form of alternative medicine. In 20th and 21th century due to side effects of synthetic drugs, there is an increasing interesting ASU medicine. At present the adulteration of the herbal drugs is the burning problem in ASU herbal industry and it has caused a major problem in the research on commercial natural products. The deforestation and extinction of many species and incorrect identification of many plants has resulted in adulteration and substitution of raw drugs. The future development of analysis of herbs is largely depended upon reliable methodologies for correct identification, standardization and quality assurance of Ayurvedic drugs. In India normally the contamination/adulteration in food/crude drugs is done either for financial gain or due to carelessness and lack in proper hygienic condition of processing, storing, transportation and marketing. Medicinal plants constitute an effective source of traditional and modern medicine. Adulteration is considered as an intentional addition of foreign substances to increase the weight of the product or to decrease its cost. It may be due to- Confusion in vernacular names, Lack of knowledge about authentic plants, Non availability, Similarity in morphology, activity, aroma, Careless collection and other unknown reasons. This article throws a light on adulteration, types, common market adulterants in ASU medicines and prescribed Prevention methods.

Desenvolvimento e aplicação de método analí­tico para detecção de estimulantes em suplementos nutricionais adulterados / The development and application of analytical method for the detection of stimulants in adulterated nutritional supplements

A adição fraudulenta de ativos farmacêuticos em suplementos nutricionais é um problema mundial. É comum encontrar mensagens sobre perda de peso, aumento da capacidade intelectual e/ou física, e estímulo sexual na embalagem de suplementos adulterados com fármacos sintéticos ocultos em formulações aparentemente inofensivas para os usuários. No Brasil, a disponibilidade de dados sobre a adulteração de suplementos nutricionais é escassa. No presente trabalho, foi desenvolvido e aplicado um método analítico empregando cromatografia gasosa com detector de nitrogênio fósforo (GC-NPD) para a detecção, identificação e quantificação de estimulantes/anorexígenos não declarados nos rótulos de suplementos alimentares, tais como: cafeína, femproporex, anfepramona, fenfluramina, sibutramina, fentermina, efedrina, fenilpropanolamina, pseudoefedrina e 4- metilhexan-2-amina. A técnica de extração/solubilização com metanol foi utilizada, ressaltando a utilização de baixa quantidade de amostra, solvente e padrões de estimulantes. Após o desenvolvimento e validação do método, as análises foram aplicadas em amostras de suplementos nutricionais obtidos em lojas especializadas em suplementos, de diversas partes do estado de São Paulo (n=125). Das 125 amostras de suplemento nutricional analisadas, 38 delas (30%) apresentaram resultado positivo para alguma das substâncias de interesse, dentre elas, sibutramina, cafeína e efedrina mediante a metodologia escolhida. As amostras positivas foram posteriormente analisadas qualitativamente por LC-MS/MS, no propósito de confirmar o resultado positivo obtido. A técnica analítica empregada proporciona seletividade, linearidade, precisão, exatidão, recuperação e limites em conformidade ao objetivo que foram destinadas. Os métodos de preparo de amostra desenvolvidos e validados demonstraram ser simples, práticos, eficientes e diferenciados pelo baixo uso de amostra e solvente

The fraudulent addition of active pharmaceutical compounds in nutritional supplements is, indeed, a worldwide problem. Often, it can be found several advertisements on various supplement packaging assuring weight loss, increased intellectual and/or physical capacity and sexual stimulation. These products may have been 'spiked' with synthetic drugs containing formulations which are apparently harmless to users. In Brazil, the availability of data about adulteration of nutritional supplements is scarce. In the present work, an analytical method using gas chromatography coupled with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (GC-NPD) was developed and applied for the detection, identification and quantification of undeclared stimulants and/or anorectic agents in food supplement labels, such as: caffeine, fenproporex, amfepramone, fenfluramine, sibutramine, phentermine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine e 4- metilhexan -2- amine. The extraction/solubilization with methanol presented satisfactory results, emphasizing the use of low amount of sample, solvent and standards of analytes. After the development and validation, the method was applied in samples of nutritional supplements obtained from specialty stores in various parts of the state of São Paulo (n = 125). From the 125 nutritional supplement samples analyzed, 38 of them (30%) presented positive results for some of the substances of interest, among them sibutramine, caffeine and ephedrine according to the chosen methodology. The positive samples were subsequently analyzed qualitatively by LCMS / MS, in order to confirm the positive result obtained. The analytical technique employed provides selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery and limits in accordance with the intended purpose. The sample preparation methods developed and validated to be simple, practical, efficient and differentiated by the low sample and solvent usage