Application of DNA barcoding for the monitoring of the entire industrial chain of Ophiopogonis Radix

In the 2024 National Drug Sampling Inspection, some commercial samples of Ophiopogonis Radix were found to exhibit discrepancies in chemical composition, raising concerns about potential adulteration. However, the methods currently recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are insufficient to identify the origin of the adulterants. To address this issue, DNA barcoding was employed as a complementary analytical tool. The Beijing Institute for Drug Control, as the downstream circulation supervision of the entire industrial chain of traditional Chinese medicine, collected a total of 162 samples, including 126 raw materials and 36 decoction pieces, from various herbal markets and Chinese Materia Medica processing enterprises across different provinces. DNA barcoding authentication results revealed that 88.23 % of the samples were genuine Ophiopogonis Radix, while sixteen samples were identified as Liriopes Radix. Additionally, two samples were confirmed to be Liriope graminifolia. These findings indicated the presence of mixed usage of Ophiopogonis Radix and its adulterants, such as Liriopes Radix, in the downstream segment of the entire industrial chain. This study demonstrated that the significant value of DNA barcoding technology in ensuring the authenticity of Ophiopogonis Radix during the downstream supervision of its entire industrial chain.