DNA markers in the authentication of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-target effects, is gaining more and more attention all over the world due to its specific theory and long historical clinical practice. But the absence of an objective and accurate inspection system is frequently cited as one of the major hurdles for its modernization and globalization. Benefiting from modern molecular biology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, DNA markers have become one of the most reliable methods for identification and authentication of Chinese medicinal materials. This paper reviewed the recent progress of DNA markers, including PCR-based markers, hybridization-based markers, sequenced-based markers, and DNA microarray in the authentication of TCM. Key words: DNA marker, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), polymerase chain peaction (PCR).