Preprint / Version 1

Challenges in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DNA Barcoding—Lessons from the Lamiaceae

Authors

  • Nazia Nazar Biomolecular Technology Group, Leicester School of Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; [email protected]
  • Caroline Howard Tree of Life Programme, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; [email protected]
  • Adrian Slater Biomolecular Technology Group, Leicester School of Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; [email protected]
  • Tiziana Sgamma Biomolecular Technology Group, Leicester School of Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; [email protected]

Keywords:

Lamiaceae, DNA barcoding, medicinal plants, ITS region, Ocimum, Lavandula, Mentha, Thymus

Abstract

The potential value of DNA barcoding for the identification of medicinal plants and authentication of traded plant materials has been widely recognized; however, a number of challenges remain before DNA methods are fully accepted as an essential quality control method by industry and regulatory authorities. The successes and limitations of conventional DNA barcoding are considered in relation to important members of the Lamiaceae. The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains over one thousand species recorded as having a medicinal use, with many more exploited in food and cosmetics for their aromatic properties. The family is characterized by a diversity of secondary products, most notably the essential oils (EOs) produced in external glandular structures on the aerial parts of the plant that typify well-known plants of the basil (Ocimum), lavender (Lavandula), mint (Mentha), thyme (Thymus), sage (Salvia) and related genera. This complex, species-rich family includes widely cultivated commercial hybrids and endangered wild-harvested traditional medicines, and examples of potential toxic adulterants within the family are explored in detail. The opportunities provided by next generation sequencing technologies to whole plastome barcoding and nuclear genome sequencing are also discussed with relevant examples. Keywords: Lamiaceae, DNA barcoding, medicinal plants, ITS region, Ocimum, Lavandula, Mentha, Thymus