A novel PCR-based technology for rapid and non-sequencing authentication of Bombyx batryticatus using species-specific primers

A species-specific triplex PCR assay for authentication of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum

A triplex PCR assay was developed to identify animal species and adulteration of a natural medicine Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum (GGEC). Three species-specific primer sets were designed according to the difference in mitochondrial genome of Gallus gallus domesticus, Anas platyrhynchos and Anser anse. The PCR conditions were optimized and the assay was well validated for high specificity and sensitivity (1 mg/μL). Especially, when artificial adulterants made from the mixture of three species were analyzed, the assay has still exhibited strong capability of differentiation. By using this developed method, two batches out of fourteen commercial GGEC products were identified to be adulterated by Anser anse. The newly proposed assay showed sufficient merits as a regular tool for the identification of counterfeits or adulterants of GGEC product for their pulverized and processed form, and even Chinese patent medicines composed of these species.

A quantitative PCR assay for antiviral activity screening of medicinal plants against Herpes simplex 1

Herpes simplex virus one is one of the most prevalent pathogens worldwide. Strains resistant to current treatment have been reported, so it is necessary to search for new antiviral molecules. The most common method to quantify antiviral activity from natural products is the plaque reduction assay, a technically demanding method. In order to provide a simple alternative to this method, we have established a procedure for viral quantification by qPCR, and coupled with a cytotoxicity evaluation system using resazurin. In this way, it is possible to obtain both the estimation of cytotoxicity and the antiviral activity simultaneously, allowing rapid screening of plant extracts. Ten out of twenty-eight Paraguayan medicinal plant extracts evaluated using this method showed antiviral activity, and the EC₅₀, CC₅₀, and SI values were calculated for each extract. Our experience supports the employment of the described method for a rapid identification of plant extracts with antiviral activity.

Harnessing multiplex PCR assay targeting specific mitochondrial DNA elements for simultaneous identification of antelope species in Cornu Saigae Tataricae

A multiplex PCR assay was developed to simultaneously differentiate four antelope species and identify adulteration in Cornu Saigae Tataricae. Four novel primer sets were designed with high inter-species specificity and intra-species stability. Limit of detection was estimated to be 10 ng of genomes. When a mixture of antelope hornand fake species was assayed, it exhibited powerful differentiation capability. 5 out of 12 batches of commercialproducts were identified to be counterfeited or adulterated with Ovis aries Linnaeus and/or Capra hircus Linnaeus. It is readily applicable in routine analysis for identification of sham or adulterants of Cornu Saigae Tataricae.

Rapid identification of cervus antlers by species-specific PCR assay

A rapid PCR technology was developed to differentiate Cervus antlers species and adulteration based on the difference in mitochondrial genome. Three specifically designed primer sets were confirmed to have high inter-species specificity and good intra-species stability. Limits of detection were estimated to be 1 ng of genomes for reindeer and 10 ng for the other species. Especially, when the mixture of Cervus antlers and reindeer or sambar was assayed, these primer sets still exhibited strong capability of differentiation but not the conventional COI barcoding. By using the newly developed approach, five batches out of fourteen commercial Cervus antler products were identified to be fake products made from reindeer antlers. It has shown its good potential to be extensively applied in the identification of counterfeits or adulterates of Cornu Chinese medicines for their pulverized and processed form, and even the traditional Chinese patent medicines composed of these species.