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Abstract Detail


Systematics/Phytogeography / Taxonomie/ Section

Archambault, Mariannick [1], Cuerrier, Alain [2], Bruneau, Anne [1].

Molecular analysis of Nunavik (Quebec) populations of the medicinal Rhodiola rosea.

Rhodiola rosea L. is an amphi-Atlantic species found along the East coast of North America. This promising medicinal plant is currently used in Eurasia for its adaptogen, anti-depressive, cardioprotective and immunomodulating properties. The cultivation of this species is underway in some countries to supply the medicinal demand and to protect endangered populations. The Russian populations of R. rosea have been subjected to many studies. Although widely distributed in northern North America, this species is poorly known in this region. We therefore aim to confirm the identity of the species in northern Quebec and to evaluate the relationships of the Quebec populations with those in Russia, Norway and elsewhere. Our research has focussed on populations situated along the shore of the Ungava Bay (Nunavik, Quebec). DNA sequences from the chloroplast trnL-F and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) obtained from herbarium specimens and field collected samples were analysed to establish the taxonomic identification. We generated primers specific to R. rosea, producing an easy, fast and cheap method to verify the taxonomic identification of samples. In a few cultures, misidentification with the closely related R. integrifolia has already been found; this latter species has not been investigated for its medicinal properties. The test could help to reduce the adulteration which is often associated with the marketing of phytomedications. Our analyses also suggest that the Canadian and the Eurasian populations belong to the same species. AFLPs were also used for identification and to establish relationships among populations at different geographical scales. This information, combined with the phytochemical analyses, will help choose the most appropriate source populations for the cultivation of R. rosea in Nunavik. This project, supported by an Inuit organization, will benefit Nunavimmiut in helping to start plant propagation projects and in promoting the economic development of a quality product without damaging natural populations.


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1 - Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Université de Montréal (Département de biologie), 4101 Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Québec, H1X 2B2, Canada
2 - Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Ville de Montréal, 4101 Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Québec, H1X 2B2, Canada

Keywords:
Rhodiola rosea
AFLP
ITS
trnL-F
taxonomy.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 45
Location: Room 5/Woodward
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: 45003
Abstract ID:231


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