RAPD analysis and flavonoid composition of aconitum as an aid for taxonomic discrimination

The RAPD technique and phytochemical analysis, based on the investigation of flavonoid composition, were used to study Aconitum vulparia, A. paniculatum, A. napellus subsp. tauricum (from two different localities), and A. napellus subsp. neomontanum. Twenty primers were screened for the genetic analysis and 14 were selected providing 51 polymorphic bands. The phenogram based on UPGMA clustering of Jaccard coefficient revealed a clear division between yellowish and blue Aconitum plants and inside this second group A. paniculatum is clearly separated from all populations belonging to A. napellus group. Also the flavonoid profile well characterise all species and subspecies under study.