DNA BARCODING-BASED COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CUMINUM CYMINUM L VARIETIES IN THE PAKISTANI HERBAL MARKET

Hajrah Ilyas; Ghazala H. Rizwani; Syeda Alishba; Elaf Sheikh; Bushra Hina; Mahwish Wajidi; Syed Rizwan Ali; Muhammad Jahanzeb

doi:10.71146/kjmr542

Authors

Hajrah Ilyas Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Karachi, Shifa-ul-Mulk Postgraduate Research Laboratory, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Ghazala H. Rizwani Directors, Hafiz Muhammad Ilyas Institute of Pharmacology &Herbal Sciences, Hamdard University, Pakistan. Author
Syeda Alishba Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Karachi, Shifa-ul-Mulk Postgraduate Research Laboratory, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Elaf Sheikh Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Karachi, Shifa-ul-Mulk Postgraduate Research Laboratory, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Bushra Hina Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Mahwish Wajidi Department of pharmacognosy, institute of pharmaceutical sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University Author
Syed Rizwan Ali Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Karachi Author
Muhammad Jahanzeb Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Pakistan, Karachi 75270, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71146/kjmr542

Keywords:

Carum carvi, DNA barcoding, rbcL, ITS2, spice adulteration, Karachi herbal market

Abstract

Background: Genuine Carum carvi (caraway) seeds are highly valued in the spice and herbal market, leading to frequent adulteration with morphologically similar members of the Apiaceae family.

Objective: This study aimed to authenticate cumin-labelled samples from Karachi's herbal market using dual-locus DNA barcoding (plastid rbcL and nuclear ITS2) and to quantify levels of adulteration.

Methods: Five retail seed samples were collected and analysed using DNA extraction, PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: Only 2 out of 5 samples were authenticated as C. carvi. Others were identified as Cuminum cyminum, Ligusticum acuminatum, or mixtures with Bunium persicum. Mislabeling was observed in 40% of cases.

Conclusion: Dual-locus barcoding provides a robust tool for authenticating herbal spices. Regulatory bodies in Pakistan should implement molecular authentication protocols to ensure consumer protection.