Improved method of DNA extraction from leaf and rhizome samples of black turmeric (Curcuma caesia) for molecular analysis

Abstract

Curcuma caesia belongs to the genus Curcuma and the family of Zingiberaceae, which is a very important but unexplored medicinal plant. It is locally known as black turmeric or kali halide and is mainly used by the local tribal community as traditional medicine for the health sector. The rhizome of black turmeric has wide applications in the economic pharma sector due to essential active ingredients. This research aims to standardize a rapid, simple and efficient protocol for DNA extraction in Curcuma caesia which can be used for another genus of Zingiberaceae to obtain DNA from leaf samples. Changes in the concentration of components of DNA extraction buffer have improved the quantity of DNA from leaf samples compared to rhizomes. Extracted DNA samples also proved more efficient in PCR amplification of DNA barcode primers. The protocol developed in the present study is more efficient for leaf samples of Curcuma caesia compared to rhizome samples.