Sequence characterized amplified region (scar) test for the authentication of traditional chinese medicinal materials

摘要

Methods are provided for the authentication of traditional ingredients in Chinese medical materials. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction techniques are employed to identify genomic regions that are polymorphic between ginseng species of the genus Panax and between snake species of the family Serpentiformes. The sequence of these polymorphic regions is used to design specific primers that will amplify a unique region from the species of interest. These sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) may be used to rapidly amplify a diagnostic nucleic acid from herbal and medicinal materials. The present invention therefore provides rapid and sensitive methods for identifying ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines, and distinguishing them from common adulterants or ersatz ingredients.