Determination
of molecular diversity based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences of nrDNA
in Commiphora wightii (Art.) Bhandari (Guggul)
Joshi Ramesh, Joshi Vinod, Angel Bennet, Angel Annette and Rao Satyawada Rama
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(9); 166-175;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/209rjbt1660175; (2025)
Abstract
Commiphora wightii has a vast economic value and a wide range of medicinal uses.
The presence of guggulsterone in the form of E and Z as a steroidal compound in
oleo-gum resin is being used since ancient times for treating various disorders
and ailments. The population studies on this plant revealed the drastic decline
in its numbers and the imminent threat of extinction, if no concrete conservation
plans are implemented. The present investigation was carried out for genetic diversity
among populations of Commiphora wightii revealed by Internal Transcribed Spacer
(ITS) regions of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA (nrDNA). Plant materials were obtained from
various eco-climatic regions of Rajasthan and genomic DNA was extracted using a
modified CTAB method. The primer ITS4 and ITS5 amplified the 5.8S-coding region
and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2).
The bands of DNA were eluted from the gel using the Qiagen Min-Elute gel extraction
kit followed by sequencing at Desert Medicine Research Centre, ICMR using an automated
sequencer, ABI-3730xl. The plant population of Jodhpur (J6), which acted outliner
in the analysis showed significant diversity in comparison to rest of the population
due to the reasons being entirely different climatic conditions in the area as compared
to the rest of populations. Analysis of ITS regions inferred that the plant species
Commiphora wightii might have advanced/evolved during their reproductive-isolation
where continuous habitat loss and fragmentation of population may be the probable
reasons.
