# Deciphering insights into commercial Myrrh species authenticity from the psbA-trsnH genetic region

## TL;DR

This study uses genetic analysis of the psbA-trnH region to identify and authenticate myrrh species, revealing significant discrepancies with current pharmacopoeia standards.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the psbA-trnH region's effectiveness for myrrh species authentication and highlights misalignment with pharmacopoeial standards.

## Key findings

- The psbA-trnH region accurately identified three myrrh species and detected an adulterant.
- Only 8% of samples matched pharmacopoeia-designated species, indicating widespread mislabeling.
- Genetic distances and haplotype analysis revealed high discriminatory potential among myrrh species.

## Abstract

The genetic analysis, particularly focusing on the psbA-trnH region, aims to tackle the challenges linked to myrrh identification and improve quality control in medicinal and aromatic plant sectors. This process reveals the genetic diversity inherent in myrrh species, identifies adulterants, and assesses consistency with pharmacopoeia-designated species.

A meticulous investigation was conducted, involving twenty-five myrrh samples sourced from diverse origins and one adulterant sample. The methodology encompassed precise execution of DNA extraction, PCR amplification targeting the psbA-trnH region, sequencing, and subsequent data analysis. Additionally, the integration of GenBank data was employed to enrich the genetic analysis.

The psbA-trnH region demonstrated 100% amplification efficiency across all myrrh samples, accurately identifying three distinct species—Commiphora gileadensis, Commiphora myrrha, and Commiphora edulis. Only 8% of samples aligned with pharmacopoeia-specified species, revealing a significant misalignment. The identified adulterant, Liquidambar formosana, underscored the efficacy of the genetic approach. Genetic distances and haplotype analysis offered insights into myrrh species diversity. Intraspecific and interspecific distances highlighted the discriminatory potential of the psbA-trnH region. A phylogenetic tree illustrated distinct genetic clusters among Commiphora species and Liquidambar formosana.

It affirms the robustness of the psbA-trnH region for authenticating myrrh and emphasizes the necessity of adapting pharmacopoeial standards to accurately mirror genetic diversity. An avenue for exploring therapeutic variations within myrrh species and advocates collaboration among researchers, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders to fortify comprehensive quality management measures within the context of agronomy-focused herbal products.