Molecular authentication of Cissampelos pareira L. var. hirsuta (Buch.-Ham. ex DC.) Forman, the genuine source plant of ayurvedic raw drug 'Patha', and its other source plants by ISSR markers.

Cissampelos pareira L. var. hirsuta (Buch.-Ham. ex DC.) Forman belongs to family Menispermaceae. The roots of this taxon are used in the treatment of various diseases like stomach pain, fever, skin disease, etc., in Ayurveda and is commonly known as Patha. Two other species, viz., Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson and Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers of the same family are being used as the source of this drug in various parts of India. This type of substitution or adulteration will ultimately affect the therapeutic efficacy of the medicines adversely. ISSR profiles of all the three taxa are generated and analyzed to assess the genetic relationships among these three species. The profiles of all the three species displayed a high level of polymorphism among them. ISSR markers developed can be used in authenticating and validating the exact species discrimination of the genuine raw drug of 'Patha' from its substitutes/adulterants to guarantee the quality and legitimacy of this drug in the market.