DNA BARCODING

DNA barcoding is a technique used to identify plant species by using specific sections of DNA. The conventional approach to species identification is gradually diminishing due to constraints such as potential misinterpretation, overlooking morphologically cryptic.The two key coding regions, rbcL and matK, serve as primary DNA barcode markers for terrestrial plants. Each plant subjected to DNA barcoding must have a herbarium voucher alongside the rbcL and matK DNA sequences to create high-quality databases. In plants, both plastid DNA regions (rbcL, matK, trnL, and trnH-psbA) and nuclear DNA regions (ITS and ITS2) are commonly used in DNA barcoding.This molecular-based technique helps in exploring, identifying, and documenting plant diversity within biodiversity hotspots. DNA barcoding has become increasingly prevalent in taxonomic research, providing an alternative and practical set of tools for swift and precise identification of various organisms. The Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) and the multinational Barcode of Life (iBOL) have made commendable efforts in creating DNA barcodes specifically for plants. DNA barcoding has brought a significant revolution in taxonomy by integrating molecularization, computerization, and standardization into various approaches employed. Genetic fingerprinting is a widely accepted technique for ensuring the quality control of multicomponent herbal medicines and their final products. Sequencing enables the identification of genes that share the most recent common ancestor. DNA sequence data can be stored as simple text strings in electronic databases like GenBank and easily analyzed using text-based bioinformatics techniques. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the extraction of sequence data from individual molecules within complex sources, leading to a new level of species resolution known as next-generation sequencing (NGS). DNA microarray has gained widespread popularity as a technique for verifying the authenticity of herbal medicine due to its high sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, and repeatability in transcriptomics applications. Successful DNA barcodes for herbal plant identification include matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ITS, trnL-F, 5S-rRNA, and 18S-rRNA. Traditional approaches are being replaced by adulteration detection techniques based on DNA barcoding. Standards for herbal products including DNA barcoding require a robust scientific community. It is necessary for national pharmacopeia authorities and DNA barcoding experts to collaborate. Pharmacovigilance monitoring might be facilitated and herbal business quality could be enhanced by DNA barcoding verification. For cases of poisoning, genus-level identification is appropriate, using ITS2 or trnH-psbA as secondary markers and rbcL as the main marker.