Dataset Information

DNA metabarcoding to unravel plant species composition in selected herbal medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) of Thailand.

ABSTRACT: Traditional medicines are widely traded across the globe and have received considerable attention in the recent past, with expectations of heightened demand in the future. However, there are increasing global concerns over admixture, which can affect the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicinal products. In this study, we aimed to use DNA metabarcoding to identify 39 Thai herbal products on the Thai National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and assess species composition and admixture. Among the products, 24 samples were in-house-prepared formulations, and 15 samples were registered formulations. In our study, DNA metabarcoding analysis using ITS2 and rbcL barcode regions were employed to identify herbal ingredients mentioned in the products. The nuclear region, ITS2, was able to identify herbal ingredients in the products at the genus- and family-levels in 55% and 63% of cases, respectively. The chloroplast gene, rbcL, enabled genus- and family-level identifications in 58% and 73% of cases, respectively. In addition, plant species were detected in larger numbers (Family identified, absolute %) in registered herbal products than in in-house-prepared formulations. The level of fidelity increases concerns about the reliability of the products. This study highlights that DNA metabarcoding is a useful analytical tool when combined with advanced chemical techniques for the identification of plant species in highly processed, multi-ingredient herbal products.

SUBMITTER: Urumarudappa SKJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7588419 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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DNA metabarcoding to unravel plant species composition in selected herbal medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) of Thailand.

Urumarudappa Santhosh Kumar J SKJ Tungphatthong Chayapol C Prombutara Pinidphon P Sukrong Suchada S

Scientific reports 20201026 1

Traditional medicines are widely traded across the globe and have received considerable attention in the recent past, with expectations of heightened demand in the future. However, there are increasing global concerns over admixture, which can affect the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicinal products. In this study, we aimed to use DNA metabarcoding to identify 39 Thai herbal products on the Thai National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and assess species composition and admixture ...[more]

PMID: 33106579

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Project description:BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Inadequate and inequitable access to essential NCD medicines is a major concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. National Essential Medicines Lists (EMLs) are important policy tools that indicate which medicines are prioritized as essential within a country's health system. This study sought to analyze a wide range of national essential medicines lists (EMLs) for their inclusion of priority non communicable disease (NCD) interventions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).MethodsThree lists of WHO endorsed priority NCD interventions were included. A database with 137 national EMLs and the WHO EML was created from the WHO Repository and these EMLs were compared for listing of priority NCD interventions.ResultsAcross 137 countries with national EMLs, the median percentage of 20 Best Buys interventions listed was 90% (IQR 80-95) and 31 Package of essential noncommunicable disease interventions (PEN) interventions listed was 94% (IQR 90-97), of 9 HEARTS interventions was 100% (IQR 89-100), and of the 43 unique interventions across the three priority lists was 88% (IQR 84-93). Less than 80% of the 43 interventions were listed by 22 (16%) countries and less than half of the interventions were listed by 2 countries: Angola (35%) and Cambodia (23%). Interventions listed on the fewest number of national EMLs were: influenza vaccine, HPV vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, cervical cancer chemotherapy, codeine, promethazine, senna, and oxygen.ConclusionMost NCD interventions have been prioritized in national policy in most cases. The majority of priority medicines for NCDs described within key WHO NCD technical packages are listed on nearly all national EMLs across 137 countries of all income levels. Most NCD interventions have been prioritized in national policy in most cases, but in some countries and for select interventions such as the HPV vaccine, prioritization may be reviewed.

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Project description:BackgroundWorldwide, many countries have developed a list of essential medicines for children to improve prescribing. We aimed to create an essential medicines list for children in Canada.MethodsWe adapted the previously created preliminary list of essential medicines for adults in Canada and the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children to create a provisional list of essential medicines for children in Canada. Canadian clinicians made suggestions for changes. Literature relevant to each suggestion was presented to clinician-scientists, who used a modified nominal group technique to make recommendations on the suggestions. Ontario Public Drug Programs prescription data were reviewed to identify commonly prescribed medications missing from the list. Literature relevant to these medications was shared with a clinician-scientist review panel to determine which should be added, and a revised list was developed.ResultsA total of 76 items were removed from the list of essential medicines for adults in Canada because they were not indicated for use in children or were not relevant in the Canadian health care context; 7 medications were added to the child list based on Ontario Public Drugs Programs prescribing data and clinician-scientist review. Suggestions to add, remove or substitute medications were made by peer-reviewers and resulted in removal of 1 medication and replacement of 1 medication. The process produced a provisional list of 67 essential medications for children.InterpretationA provisional list of 67 essential medicines for children was created through a peer-reviewed, multistep process based on current clinical evidence, Canadian clinical practice guidelines and historical prescribing data. It is publicly posted at http://cleanmeds.ca/. The list should be further developed based on wider input and should be continuously revised based on emerging evidence of the safety and effectiveness of these medicines in all pediatric age groups.

Dataset Information

DNA metabarcoding to unravel plant species composition in selected herbal medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) of Thailand.

Publications

DNA metabarcoding to unravel plant species composition in selected herbal medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) of Thailand.

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