Identification of DNA polymorphisms in Angelica acutiloba

Angelica acutiloba and related species have been known for their analgesic and sedative effects, and are widely used as the key ingredient in Japanese traditional Kampo medicine. Among various varieties, Angelica acutiloba var. acutiloba has long been grown in the Obuka area of Nara prefecture, Japan, and has been evaluated as an excellent variety. Recent cultivation of this and other varieties of Angelica in various regions of East Asia prompted us to identify DNA polymorphisms that distinguish the acutiloba variety from others. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA analysis and sequencing selected genomic regions among Angelica plants of different origins identified several nucleotide changes among the varieties tested, which enabled us to distinguish the acutiloba variety from others. We also report an improved protocol for genomic DNA extraction from dried root samples of Angelica.