[ITS sequence identification of Radix Bupleuri].

Objective: To provide the basis of molecular authentication of Radix Bupleuri by the comparison of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of five kinds of Radix Bupleuri in common use.

Method: Firstly, total DNA of five kinds of Radix Bupleuri was extracted. Secondly, the ITS sequence was amplified by PCR with universal primer of ITS and PCR product was directly sequenced after purification.

Result: The length of ITS1 and ITS2 sequence was 214-220 bp and 230-231 bp respectively. There were distinct variation sites between the ITS sequences of the five kinds of Radix Bupleuri.

Conclusion: ITS sequence may be the evidence for the molecular authentication of Radix Bupleuri.