Molecular analyses of the Chinese herb Leigongteng ( Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f.)

Molecular analyses of the ITS and 5S rDNA sequences indicate that T. hypoglaucum and T. doianum are not distinct from T. wilfordii, while T. regelii should be recognized as a separate species. The results also demonstrate the potential value of rDNA sequence data in forensic detection of adulterants derived from Celastrus angulatus in commercial samples of the Chinese herb Leigongteng. [Display omitted] ► FINS analyses of ITS and 5S rDNA sequences suggested that Tripterygium hypoglaucum and T. doianum are not distinct from T. wilfordii. ► T. regelii should be a separate species. ► The sequences also showed potential value in detecting adulterants from Celastrus angulatus in commercial Leigongteng samples. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f., known as Leigongteng (Thunder God Vine) in traditional Chinese medicine, has attracted much attention for its applications in relieving autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and for treating cancer. Molecular analyses of the ITS and 5S rDNA sequences indicate that T. hypoglaucum and T. doianum are not distinct from T. wilfordii, while T. regelii should be recognized as a separate species. The results also demonstrate potential value of rDNA sequence data in forensic detection of adulterants derived from Celastrus angulatus in commercial samples of Leigongteng.