Development of real-time PCR-based markers for differentiation of Oplopanax elatus and Aralia cordata in commercial food products

Oplopanax elatus and Aralia cordata, commonly referred to as "Dureub" in Korea, are generally used as medicinal or food raw materials. Although O. elatus, a rare and endangered plant, is typically sold at high prices, the more abundant A. cordata is comparatively inexpensive. Given their common names and morphological root similarities, both plants can easily be confused, thereby providing potential opportunities for fraudulent use in food products. Species-specific molecular markers that can be used for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis were developed. Verification of the six primer pairs revealed a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99, with a slope between -3.33 and -3.56. The assay confirmed specificity based on an analysis of 14 non-target plant species and verified its practicality using 10 commercial products with reliability based on a blind test. Thus, qPCR assays can contribute to food safety and protect consumer rights and interests.