Genetic Analysis of Itchy Leaves (<i>Laportea</i>, sp) in Papua for Herbal Medicinal Products as Development of Studying Economics Value

Abstract

Papua is rich in biodiversity. The indigenous Papuans utilize most of endemic plants as food, board and medicines. One of the plants used as medicine is La-portea, sp, that locally known as Daun Gatal. The plant however, has not been developed commercially; this might due to lack of scientific providence of medicine content in this plant. The aims of this research is to (1) explore the types of Laportea growing in Papua, (2) conduct bio molecular character, which observes phylogeny relationship or genetic morphology in order to obtain data on the number of species found in Manokwari and Nabire. Bio molecular analysis is performed by PCR. Genetic analysis in this study was conducted through several phases, as follow: (a) Isolation of genomic total, (b) amplification of genes that encoded Rbcl, (c) sequencing the nucleotide sequence of the gene Rbcl of Laportea, (d) phylogeny analysis. The results showed that the DNA quality was good enough to do the next analysis. Of the four samples, two obtained haplo types are Haplo Type 1 (DT.NBX.H, DT.NBX.U and DR.MKW.H) and Haplo Type 2 (DR.NBX.L). The results of the analysis of phylogeny trees showed samples at 1 in the same haplo type, clade sequences of the genus Dendrocnide spp, Discocnide, and Laportea, while the sample at 2 in the same haplotype clade with Laportea interupta, Laportea ruderalis and Urera sp.