DNA barcoding successfully established the taxonomic identity of
the dried and powdered medicinal plant parts that were collected
from the markets. The present case study revealed the presence of adulterants to the extent that the authentic species were completely absent.
Development of a reference DNA barcode library for all the medicinally
important plants and authentication of the market samples of the raw
drugs by DNA barcoding will help to authenticate plant based drugs,
and reduce the chances of undesirable consequences due to the use of
wrong plant materials. This would be of interest to both the consumers
and traders of the raw drugs in the context of globally increasing
patronage to complementary and alternate medicines.