DNA authentication of So-jutsu (Atractylodes lancea rhizome) and Byaku-jutsu (Atractylodes rhizome) obtained in the market based on the nucleotide sequence of the 18S-5.8S rDNA internal transcribed spacer region

The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region between 18S and 5.8S rDNA was amplified from 25 crude drug specimens of So-jutsu (Atractylodes lancea rhizome) and 11 specimens of Byaku-jutsu (Atractylodes rhizome) obtained in the Chinese market. Based on the comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the PCR products with those determined in five Atractylodes species, we were able to identify the plant origins of these crude drugs. Of the 25 specimens of So-jutsu analyzed, 20 were identified to be derived from either A. chinensis, A. lancea or the interspecific hybrid between these two species, whereas five specimens were identified to be derived from A. japonica, i.e. Byaku-jutsu. In contrast, all of the specimens of Byaku-jutsu analyzed were derived from either A. ovata or A. japonica. A PCR-based method was established for the rapid identification and/or discrimination of So-jutsu and Byaku-Jutsu without sequencing.