Studies on the botanical sources and DNA molecular identification of Herba Asari based on ITS sequence

Objective: To explore the genetic basis of using three species of Asarum as Herba Asari to determine the taxonomic positions of Asarum heterotropoides and A. sieboldii;and to apply DNA molecular analysis as a tool for identification of Herba Asari. Method: PCR, purification, sequence analysis were prerformed. Result: ITS sequences of the three Asarum species were obtained. 3 botanical sources of Herba Asari are closely clustered together on the topology tree; one inner branch is composed of A. heterotropoides and A. sieboldii, whereas another branch contains A. sieboldii. Their ITS sequences are different. Conclusion: Three plant species of Herba Asari are closely related,and there are genetic reasons that they are used as the sources of the same medicine. The classification placement of A. sieboldii is not certain. The differences of ITS sequences of the botanical sources of Herba Asari can be used as a means of identification. [