Molecular studies have witnessed rapid developments since DNA was first sequenced in
1997 [74] to the creation of large volumes of DNA sequences at unprecedented speed; also
referred to as next generation sequencing (NGS). Apart from its application in personalized
medicine, it has also been applied in the creation of large genetic databases of plants, which
can serve in the identification of potentially toxic plants, or those that may contain allergens.
For example if functional gene transcriptomes present in Aristolochia species are found
present in another specie under investigation, it is likely that such a specie may contain aristolochic
acid. NGS technology has already been applied in unravelling the genome of Gingko
[75] and holds potential for biomarking toxicity in the 21st century.
Screening of Herbal Medicines for Potential Toxicities
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