Overview: DNA Barcoding Techniques Used in Herbal Plant Identification and Authentication

Specific identification and quality control of herbal plants are crucial to meet the growing global demand for herbal medicine. Processed herbal products face authentication challenges due to physical alterations and a scarcity of taxonomists. Even in processed combinations, DNA barcoding offers a quick and accurate species identification. Using short gene regions such as rbcL, matK, and ITS2, this approach addresses adulteration and misidentification of the herbal plant. This review assesses DNA barcoding techniques, including single-locus, multi-locus, mini-barcoding, and super-barcoding. It also covers modern methods, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR), high-resolution melting (HRM), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Technologies, such as shotgun metagenomics, genome skimming, machine learning-assisted barcoding, and singlecell genomics, help to better identify degraded plants in complex herbal formulations. However, DNA barcoding has drawbacks, including primer biases, DNA degradation, small reference libraries, and high expenses that limit its utility in resource- poor countries. Furthermore, DNA barcoding does not determine the existence or level of bioactive substances needed for therapeutic effects. Portable sequencing, machine learning for quick identification, and integrated reference databases point to a golden future for DNA barcoding in herbal medicine. Through chemical profiling, functional genomics, and barcoding, one seeks to build a thorough quality control system for detecting adulterants, preserving endangered species, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Therefore, DNA barcoding links traditional herbal medicine with contemporary molecular diagnostics by increasing consumer safety, industry integrity, biodiversity protection, and improving species identification accuracy.