New Molecular Test for Echinacea at ISI

For several generations Native Canadians have known the medicinal benefits of Echinacea. It is well recognized that several species of this popular herb have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Scientific studies have demonstrated that Echinacea is an immune-stimulant that increases the body's ability to resist viral and bacterial infections. There are currently nine known species of Echinacea, three of which have shown to have medicinal properties.

Echinacea angustifolia

The three most sought after species of Echinacea are E. purpurea (L.) Moench, E. angustifolia DC., and E. pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., all of which are very similar in their medicinal properties and morphologies. This has resulted in considerable confusion concerning which species is present in the final marketable product. Analytical research has revealed that there are significant differences in the chemical composition of each of the three medicinally active species. ISI is now able to conduct a new molecular analysis that can test for the presence of Echinacea, as well as determine which of the three medicinally active species resides in your seed, ground root and plant sample.

RAPD-PCR, pronounced ‘Rapid PCR’, is the acronym for Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA - Polymerase Chain Reaction. This relatively new molecular technique is a pivotal tool for assessing the botanical identity of herbal specimens. RAPD analysis is possible because each Echinacea species has its own individualized DNA sequence in which different genomic markers can be identified. Within our DNA there are polymorphisms that are unique to each individual. It is these DNA polymorphisms that are responsible for producing the different number and sizes of fragments. The end result is a highly reproducible characteristic barcode for each species analyzed.

Using this new molecular technique it is now possible to genetically characterize the three commercially relevant Echinacea species.

The above images are typical agarose gels demonstrating RAPD profile of E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida with their corresponding RAPD primers.

To see how PCR is connected to the forensic sciences, click here.

As the popularity of Echinacea continues to rise it becomes increasingly important to characterize the genetic composition within the genus. Investigative Science Incorporated can provide clarity on the issues of genetic characterization using RAPD-PCR and can accurately identify E. angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea in seeds and dried root samples. This new important test complements our already existing range of chromatographic techniques, which are useful for distinguishing different plant components within the same plant sample. For more information on our analytical capabilities with regards to Natural Health Products click here.