Dataset Information

The ITS region provides a reliable DNA barcode for identifying reishi/lingzhi (Ganoderma) from herbal supplements.

ABSTRACT: The dietary supplement industry is rapidly growing yet, a recent study revealed that up to 60% of supplements may have substituted ingredients, some of which can be harmful contaminants or additives. When ingredients cannot be verified morphologically or biochemically, DNA barcoding complemented with a molecular phylogenetic analysis can be a powerful method for species authentication. We employed a molecular phylogenetic analysis for species authentication of the commonly used fungal supplement, reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi), by amplifying and sequencing the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) with genus-specific primers. PCR of six powdered samples and one dried sample all sold as G. lucidum representing independent suppliers produced single, strong amplification products in the expected size-range for Ganoderma. Both best-hit BLAST and molecular phylogenetic analyses clearly identified the presence of G. lingzhi DNA in all seven herbal supplements. We detected variation in the ITS sequences among our samples, but all herbal supplement samples fall within a large clade of G. lingzhi ITS sequences. ITS-based phylogenetic analysis is a successful and cost-effective method for DNA-based species authentication that could be used in the herbal supplement industry for this and other fungal and plant species that are otherwise difficult to identify.

SUBMITTER: Gunnels T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7660467 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The ITS region provides a reliable DNA barcode for identifying reishi/lingzhi (Ganoderma) from herbal supplements.

Gunnels Tess T Creswell Matthew M McFerrin Janis J Whittall Justen B JB

PloS one 20201112 11

The dietary supplement industry is rapidly growing yet, a recent study revealed that up to 60% of supplements may have substituted ingredients, some of which can be harmful contaminants or additives. When ingredients cannot be verified morphologically or biochemically, DNA barcoding complemented with a molecular phylogenetic analysis can be a powerful method for species authentication. We employed a molecular phylogenetic analysis for species authentication of the commonly used fungal supplement ...[more]

PMID: 33180770

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Project description:Species of Ganoderma, commonly called reishi (in Japan) or lingzhi (in China), have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and their use has gained interest from pharmaceutical industries in recent years. Globally, the taxonomy of Ganoderma species is chaotic, and the taxon name Ganoderma lucidum has been used for most laccate (shiny) Ganoderma species. However, it is now known that G. lucidum sensu stricto has a limited native distribution in Europe and some parts of China. It is likely that differences in the quality and quantity of medicinally relevant chemicals occur among Ganoderma species. To determine what species are being sold in commercially available products, twenty manufactured products (e.g., pills, tablets, teas, etc.) and seventeen grow your own (GYO) kits labeled as containing G. lucidum were analyzed. DNA was extracted, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1?) were sequenced with specific fungal primers. The majority (93%) of the manufactured reishi products and almost half of the GYO kits were identified as Ganoderma lingzhi. G. lingzhi is native to Asia and is the most widely cultivated and studied taxon for medicinal use. Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the ITS1 region was performed to determine if multiple Ganoderma species were present. None of the manufactured products tested contained G. lucidum sensu stricto, and it was detected in only one GYO kit. G. lingzhi was detected in most products, but other Ganoderma species were also present, including G. applanatum, G. australe, G. gibbosum, G. sessile, and G. sinense. Our results indicate that the content of these products vary and that better labeling is needed to inform consumers before these products are ingested or marketed as medicine. Of the 17 GYO kits tested, 11 kits contained Ganoderma taxa that are not native to the United States. If fruiting bodies of exotic Ganoderma taxa are cultivated, these GYO kits will likely end up in the environment. The effects of these exotic species to natural ecosystems needs investigation.

Dataset Information

The ITS region provides a reliable DNA barcode for identifying reishi/lingzhi (Ganoderma) from herbal supplements.

Publications

The ITS region provides a reliable DNA barcode for identifying reishi/lingzhi (Ganoderma) from herbal supplements.

Similar Datasets

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