DNA条形码是利用相对较短的标准DNA片段对物种进行快速准确鉴定的一门技术。DNA条形码技术可以从分子水平弥补传统鉴定方法的一些不足。该技术具有良好的通用性,使得物种鉴定过程更加快速,已经广泛应用于动物物种的鉴定研究中。近年来,随着药用植物DNA条形码鉴定研究的快速发展,逐渐形成了药用植物和植物源中药材鉴定的完善体系。本文综述了DNA条形码技术鉴定药用植物的原理,介绍了中草药传统鉴定方法及其缺陷、使用DNA条形码技术鉴定植物源药材的意义以及DNA条形码在药用植物鉴定中的应用,对其应用前景进行了展望。
DNA barcoding is a taxonomic method that uses a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA to identify it as belonging to a certain species. DNA barcoding can be used to overcome the shortcomings of traditional species identification methods; in particular, it has the advantage of versatility, making the process of species identification more efficient. DNA barcoding has been well applied in the identification of animal species, and in recent years it has been rapidly developed and promoted in the identification of medicinal plants, This paper reviews the principles of DNA barcoding, and introduces and discusses the limitations of traditional identification methods for Chinese medicinal herbs. The significance, application, and prospects of DNA barcoding in the identification of Chinese medicinal herbs are also examined.