en گياهان دارویی Medicinal Plants پژوهشی Research <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><b><span new="" roman="" style="font-family:" times="">Background:</span></b> <i><span new="" roman="" style="font-family:" times="">Dracocephalum </span></i><span new="" roman="" style="font-family:" times="">L., comprising 89 species worldwide, is the second-largest genus in the Nepetinae subtribe of the Mentheae tribe within the Lamiaceae family. In the flora of Iran, the genus is represented by 10 species. <i>Dracocephalum</i> species are known for their medicinal properties, including anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as various other therapeutic uses. <b>Objective: </b>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers in differentiating <i>Dracocephalum</i> species and to assess the genetic diversity among various species within the genus. <b>Methods: </b>Thirteen populations from six <i>Dracocephalum</i> species were analyzed using eight ISSR primers. <b>Results: </b>A total of 128 bands were generated, of which 121 (94.3 %) were polymorphic. The highest polymorphism was observed with the IS7 and IS1 primers. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.286 (IS5) to 0.337 (IS1). Cluster analysis revealed distinct genetic groupings, with populations of <i>D. kotschyi</i> Boiss. (Isfahan), <i>D. lindbergii</i> Rech.f<i> </i>(Bojnourd), and <i>D. moldavica</i> L. (Urmia) forming separate clusters, indicating significant genetic differentiation. <b>Conclusion: </b>This study demonstrates the utility of ISSR markers in distinguishing <i>Dracocephalum</i> species and highlights the substantial genetic diversity within the genus. The high percentage of polymorphism underscores the rich genetic variability, which is essential for conservation efforts and potential medicinal applications. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic structure of <i>Dracocephalum</i> species, laying the groundwork for future research in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.</span></span></div> Dracocephalum, Molecular marker, Diversity, Cluster analysis, Polymorphism 45 56 http://jmp.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-6343-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Ali Sonboli a-sonboli@sbu.ac.ir 100319475328460049687 100319475328460049687 Yes Department of Biology, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran Somayeh Hashemianpoor somayeh.hashemian@yahoo.com 100319475328460049688 100319475328460049688 No Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Syamak Fallahi syamak.fallahi@yahoo.com 100319475328460049689 100319475328460049689 No Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Hassan Esmaeili h.esmaili_6007@yahoo.com 100319475328460049690 100319475328460049690 No Department of Agriculture, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran