Development of RAPD markers for authentication of medicinal plant Cuscuta reflexa

Cuscuta reflexa (Convolvulaceae) is a holoparasitic vine that attacks the aerial parts of many shrubs, trees, and is used immensely in the Indian system of medicine. In this study, the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was employed for authentication of Cuscuta reflexa and its adulterant Cuscuta chinensis. Thirty two decamer oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify the genomic DNA isolated from the dried stems as well as seeds of both the species. Out of the thirty two primers used, fourteen did not amplify, eleven gave faint and non-reproducible, while seven gave species-specific reproducible unique bands. The unique bands obtained in PCR amplification clearly discriminated the two species, having similar morphology and thus, RAPD may serve as a complementary tool for quality control.