Identification of sanchi samples based on DNA barcodes

For centuries, sanchi has been used in traditional medicine in East Asian countries to promote health and fitness. To identify and distinguish sanchi from adulterants, this study was conducted to determine the sequence of four DNA barcodes. The PCR products of the four barcodes were 330 bp (rbcL), 822 bp (matK), 484 bp (trnH-psbA), and 438 bp (ITS1). Genetic relationship analysis showed that the four DNA barcode regions had high similarity with other Panax species. Three barcodes, matK, trnH-psbA, and ITS1, confirmed that the studied samples belonged to Panax notoginseng, distinguished from Panax pseudoginseng, and can be used to identify Panax notoginseng.