Assessment of Genetic Variation of the Genus Gymnema in Vietnam, Using RAPD and ITS-rDNA Markers

ABSTRACT

Gymnema is a genus of the Apocynaceae with more than 50 species. Some of its species such as G. sylvestre and G. latifolium have been reported for their medicinal value. In this study, the genetic diversity of 20 samples of four species of Gymnema in Vietnam was evaluated using the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA). Amplified bands obtained with primers UBC701, UBC709, and OPC4 were the highest polymorphic in RAPD analysis. The phylogenetic trees were built grouping the 20 samples into four clusters corresponding to the four Gymnema species according to morphological classification. A number of characteristic SNPs were identified for each species which can be used for authentication and differentiation. The results showed the consensus and usefulness of the two barcoding techniques in the molecular identification and characterization of the Gymnema genus.

KEYWORDS:

• Internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA)
• random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
• Gymnema

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author Contributions

Conceptualization of research (PTH); Designing of the experiments (PTH, PHTT); Contribution of experimental materials (TVO); Execution of field/lab experiments and data collection; Analysis of data and interpretation (PTH, PHTT); Preparation of the manuscript (PTH, PHTT)