PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, BOTANICAL STUDY AND DNA FINGERPRINTING OF PRUNUS AMYGDALUS BATSCH UMM ALFAHM†CULTIVAR CULTIVATED IN EGYPT

Objective: The present study was designed to throw light on the phytochemical screening, macro and micro morphological studies, as well as, DNA fingerprinting of Prunus amygdalus Batsch Umm alfahm cultivar with the aim of plant authentication. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the stems, leaves and pericarps was carried out using standard procedures. DNA fingerprinting was carried out using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) using ten primers for the analysis. In addition, seed protein was analyzed using continuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in vertical slab apparatus in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE). Results: Phytochemical investigation of P. amygdalus revealed positive results for the presence of steam volatile substances and saponins in leaves, while pericarp contains traces of saponins. Whereas, sterols and/or triterpenoids, tannins, carbohydrate and/or glycosides, and flavonoids were detected in leaves and stems and as traces in pericarp. Conclusion: From the present study, macro and micro morphological characters, as well as, DNA fingerprinting can be considered as the identifying parameters to authenticate the plant