Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences (ISSN: 2581-5423) Volume 4 Issue 4 April 2020 DNA Barcoding of Myrica esculanta (Kafal), An Indigenous, Multipurpose and Medicinal Plant Species from Nepal, by rbcL and matK Gene Deepak Sharma 1 *, Tirtha Maiya Shrestha 2 and Janardan Lamichhane 1 1 Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Kathmandu University, Nepal 2 Department of Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Nepal Corresponding Author: Deepak Sharma and Janardan Lamichhane, Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Kathmandu University, Nepal. Research Article Abstract Keywords: DNA Barcoding; Internal Transcribed Spacer; Maturase K; Phylogenetic; iBOLD Received: February 24, 2020 Published: March 09, 2020 © All rights are reserved by Deepak Sharma., et al. Introduction Myrica esculanta (Kafal), is one of the most important native medicinal plant of Nepal which is domesticated for economic growth for the rural people. To authenticate and develop molecular database we collect samples all over Nepal. DNA barcodes can be used as reliable tools to facilitate the identification of medicinal plants for the safe use, important for metal absorption and value added products. In this study, investigation of Myrica esculanta for its molecular identification by DNA barcoding was done through sequence analysis with three barcode loci rbcL, matK and ITS genes, and found only first two are be the best for it authentication based on databased search on NCBI. The nucleotide sequence of internal transcribed spacers (ITS2) and chloroplast maturase kinase gene (matK) and rbcL have determined close relationship among 12 other species of Myrica\; to construct the phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic relationships of accessions based on the matK and rbcL region showed that all accessions in this study were related to three geographical origins. Based on sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses and comparative sequence analysis based on se- quence based taxonomic parameter on iBOLD database, we concluded that the rbcL and matK sequences can distinguish M. esculanta accessions from iBOLD database. The genus Myrica consists about 97 species of small tree and aromatic shrubs belonging to family Myricaceae. These are report- ed to be globally distributed in both temperate and sub-tropical regions of the world [1]. Kafal trees are found on hills of Nepal and Northern India, between the altitudes of one and two thousand meters above sea level. Kafal changes to reddish purple color ellip- soid-shape fruit at its maturity. In scientific journals, Kafal is most- ly called Myrica esculenta, but also referred as Myrica integrifolia and Myrica nagi. In ancient Sanskrit language, Kafal is often called Kaiphala or Katphala and believed to have a medicinal property in its bark [1]. The bark is yellow colored and contains the chemical substances myricetin, myricitrin and glycosides [2,3]. M. esculenta is a small tree or large shrub native to Hills of Nepal and north- ern India. Its common names include Box myrtle, Bayberry, Kafal (local name) [2]. It is a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda or Himalayan Wild Fruit – Kathfal. Nepali name Kaaphal or Kafal Common name - Bay-Berry, Box myrtle. Kaaphal is one of many extremely delicious wild fruits found throughout mid-Himalayan region. The fruit looks somewhat like deep-red colored raspberries [4]. They barely have any pulp, have a big round seed in the center. Since they are very refreshing to eat, they are well liked by many Nepalese. The fresh fruits have a reputation for being a little acidic even when they are ripe, but more sour when unripe [5]. They have a limited harvesting period and available for a short period of time only. When they were in season, local villagers picked and gathered Citation: Deepak Sharma., et al. “DNA Barcoding of Myrica esculanta (Kafal), An Indigenous, Multipurpose and Medicinal Plant Species from Nepal, by rbcL and matK Gene". Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences 4.4 (2020): 11-18.