Unravelling the pharmacological applications and taxonomical challenges in Canscora species using DNA barcodes (taxon-specific DNA and high-throughput DNA barcodes): a systematic review

The utilization of herbal-based remedies for disease prevention and treatment has proved its resilience, making a substantial contribution to the progress of traditional medicine. This therapeutic approach has demonstrated the efficacy of herbal drugs and has been an enduring practice. As a routine practice, the identification of plant species relies on morphological characteristics. However, there exist scenarios where the conventional strategies are inadequate due to the insufficient amount of material available for the examination. Molecular approaches for species distinction are promising, recognizing DNA or metabolite differences among taxa as biomarkers. This review focuses on the genus Canscora, known for its wide range of pharmacological uses, including antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant. We explore the taxonomic challenges of this genus, which is made up of synonyms and morphologically overlapping features. We highlight the utility of DNA barcodes for accurate species identification and focus on investigating the taxon-specific, high-throughput DNA barcoding methods that emphasize the efficiency in validating molecules. Our findings highlight the potential of DNA barcoding to overcome the limitations of traditional techniques. This guarantees the accurate identification of Canscora species for medical purposes. The creation of a comprehensive DNA barcode library is recommended to promote phytochemical research, increase drug awareness, and protect biological diversity.