Molecular survey of the Thai herbal drug „Reo noi“ based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) nucleotide sequence analysis

„Reo noi“ has been commonly used as Thai folk medicine to treat dyspepsia and gastric diseases. It is derived from the ripe fruits of some Amomum plants (Zingiberaceae), such as A. uliginosum, A. villosum and A. xanthioides [1]. The identification of „Reo noi“ commercial herbal drugs is generally based on their morphological characteristic. In this study, we collected ten „Reo noi“ herbal drugs from the main traditional herbal drug supplier throughout Thailand. Their macroscopic characters were observed and internal transcribed space1 (ITS1) nucleotide sequences of nuclear DNA were analysed. Our results revealed that „Reo noi“ herbal drugs all had similar morphological characters whereas the molecular data revealed three different nucleotide sequences. Six samples of „Reo noi“ herbal drugs had the same nucleotide sequence as authentic A. uliginosum. This analysis revealed that the majority of „Reo noi“ herbal drugs were obtained from A. uliginosum and the other species should be considered as either substitutes or adulterants.

Acknowledgements: This work was financial supported from Faculty of Pharmacy, Maha SaraKham University and Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health, Thailand.

References: 1. Farnsworth, N. R., Bunyapraphatsara, N. (1992) Thai medicinal plants. Prachachon. Bangkok.