Identification of Paeonia L. genus of Turkey flora using dna barcoding system and investigation of the inhibition of root extracts on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

This study was conducted considering the fact that plants are a fundamental resource for humans and animals and offer health benefits. The medicinal uses of plants have gained increasing importance in recent years. This study aims to identify the Paeonia L. genus of Turkey flora and investigate the inhibition effects of their bioactive compounds on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Plant samples were collected from different areas of Turkey, and DNA isolation was performed. the ITS, matK, and rbcL gene regions were amplified for DNA barcoding analysis and sequenced using the Sanger sequencing method. The sequences were used to construct phylogenetic trees using the MEGA X program after being checked by FincTV. The obtained trees were compared using Structure Analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Barcode Gap Analysis. As a result of these analyses, the DNA barcoding system of the ITS gene region was found to be usable for the taxonomic distinction of Paeonia species. In addition, extracts were prepared from plant roots, and the inhibitory effects of these extracts on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase using the single nucleotide insertion method were investigated. Gel images showing the time-dependent product and primer levels under the reaction conditions of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase were obtained using the Typhoon FLA 9500 Gel Imager. The bands were converted into numerical values based on density using the Image J program. The kinetic value of comparative enzyme inhibition at the product level was calculated using the Prism 9 program. It was determined that the root extracts of Paeonia species have an inhibitory effect on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, and P. witmanniana showed the highest inhibition effect among the plants used in the study. This study focuses on the accurate identification of Paeonia species in the Turkish flora and the potential utilization of their bioactive compounds. It aims to contribute to the preservation of plant diversity and medical research while proposing Paeonia species as potential antiviral agents. The findings provide significant insights into herbal medicine and are considered a potential resource for developing new antiviral drugs. This study has been supported by the Council of Higher Education's (YOK) 100/2000 Doctoral Scholarship Program and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) (Project No: 120Z502).