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Study on the identification of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and its commonly confused species by DNA method

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Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is a commonly used Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) in Hong Kong, which is the dried ripe seed of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou. In the CMM market, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is easily confused with other seed or fruit CMMs with similar appearances. Macroscopic identification can accurately distinguish between Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and its confused species, but due to loss of morphological features, making accurate identification of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen powders available in the market not feasible.

This study aims to develop and validate a DNA-based test method for distinguishing Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and its commonly confused CMMs. By using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology, this method has a relatively simple procedure comparing with other DNA techniques, and thus reduces testing costs. The method and quality control system can complement the existing identification approaches for Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, and help CM sectors to identify CMM accurately.

Features

• With high specificity for the analysis of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen;
• A relatively low-cost test without the need of DNA sequencing;
• Simple operation process which saves testing time and suitable for rapid screening of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen.

Testing Methods

• Testing methods

*This project intends to provide a reliable method for identification of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. When using this method, it is the user's responsibility to assess whether this method is applicable to their products.