Species-specific isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay targeting Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) for rapid authentication of the medicinal crop Cirsium japonicum and Cirsium setosum in herbal markets

Key Points

• Cirsium japonicum and Cirsium setosum identification achieved through isothermal amplification techniques, enhancing market verification.
• Results show 95% accuracy in distinguishing target species from non-targets across multiple herbal samples.
• Assessment using nucleic acid amplification provides a rapid method for authentication, key for herbal quality control.
• This method may enable better standards for herbal market practices, ensuring consumers receive the correct medicinal plants.