Mycosystema. 2010, 29(3): 347-356.
‘Sanghuang’, a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus, was famous for its pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidant and enhancing immune. However, until now its actual scientific name has not been confirmed, and some species, belonging to Phellinus were widely used for medicinal purposes as ‘Sanghuang’ in practice. In this study, the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS) region was amplified and sequenced to identify the species of so-called ‘Sanghuang’ and detect its genetic diversity. One counterfeit ‘Sanghuang’ strain, Phellinus spp-04, was detected successfully, and the certified ‘Sanghuang’ germplasms were distinguished as P. baumii or P. linteus unambiguously. Based on rDNA ITS sequences, the genetic distance and phylogenetic tree were obtained. The results showed that there were distinct genetic divergences among P. linteus, P. baumii and P. igniarius, which formed three separate species cluster in the topology tree obviously with high bootstrap value. Three types of variation sites, including transversion, transition and insertion/deletion, were detected from different rDNA ITS sequences, and 9, 9 and 8 haplotypes were identified in P. linteus, P. baumii and P. igniarius, respectively. The variation of genetic divergence of different haplotype strains indicated the obvious species difference. Generally speaking, the character of rDNA ITS sequence could be used as an exact, reliable and straightforward typing method to identify the fungus so-called ‘Sanghuang’ and explore its genetic diversity.
