Objective To establish an accurate and efficient molecular identification method for specific DNA Signature Sequence Tags (DSS) of Tianshanxuelian (Saussurea involucrate) and its adulterants Shuimuxuetuzi (S. medusa) and Miantouxuetuzi (S. laniceps). Methods The Chloroplast Genome Information Resource (CGIR) were used to obtain the complete chloroplast genome sequences of Saussurea DC, the IdenDSS software was used to screen for specific DNA signature sequence tags (DSS) of the S. involucrata. Five sets of DSS markers were selected, and the corresponding specific primer pairs were designed using IdenDSS. Through DNA extraction from the sample, PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing and sequence alignment verification, the presence of DSS or its reverse complementary sequence of the target species S. involucrata in the test sample was detected for original identification. Results By comparing the selected five pairs of DSS sequences with the authentic source and its adulterants sequences of S. involucrata, all five sets of DNA Signature Sequence Tags could be used for identification of S. involucrata were finally determined. The above sequences were uploaded to the standard database of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Molecular Identification Platform (www.herbsdna.com), and combined with the DSS identification function of the database, accurate and efficient identification of S. involucrata origin can be achieved. Conclusion The five selected DNA Signature Sequence Tags had strong specificity and high accuracy, which can effectively solve the problem of original identification of S. involucrata.

Saussurea involucrate (Kar.et Kir.) Sch. Bip.  /  DNA signature sequence tags  /  original identification  /  Saussurea medusa Maxim.  /  Saussurea laniceps Hand. -Mazz.