Genetic characterization and authentication of Embelia ribes using RAPD-PCR and SCAR marker

Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae) is one of the important plants used in Indian traditional medicine. RAPD-PCR analysis was performed to obtain species-specific DNA fragments. A band of 906 bp that was specific to Embelia ribes irrespective of the geographical source was obtained using the random decamer primer OPF 05. SCAR primers ER 1 (27 mer) and ER 2 (26 mer) were designed from the sequence of the RAPD marker which yielded an expected amplicon of 594 bp with the Embelia ribes DNA only. This methodology can be used for species identification of genuine Embelia ribes and to distinguish it from common substitutes and adulterants.