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01-03-2011 | Original Article

Genus identification of toxic plant by real-time PCR

Authors: Shuji Matsuyama, Katsuji Nishi

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 2/2011

Abstract

Some plants have toxicities that are dangerous for humans. In the case of poisoning by toxic plants, a rapid and easy screening test is required for accurate medical treatment or forensic investigation. In this study, we designed specific primer pairs for identification of toxic plants, such as subgenus Aconitum, genus Ricinus, genus Illicium, and genus Scopolia, by internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Allied species of target plants, foods, and human DNA were not detected, but each primer pair provided a specific PCR product from the target plant using real-time PCR. This method can detect the subgenus Aconitum, genus Ricinus, and genus Scopolia with template DNA of 10 pg, respectively, and genus Illicium with 1 pg. Furthermore, each primer pair provided the exact PCR product from digested target plants in artificial gastric fluid. When a trace unknown plant sample in forensic investigation is collected from stomach contents, this PCR assay may be useful for screening toxic plants.

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Title: Genus identification of toxic plant by real-time PCR
Authors: Shuji Matsuyama
Katsuji Nishi
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-010-0487-8

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Genus identification of toxic plant by real-time PCR

Abstract

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Abstract

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