Exploring DNA quantity and quality from raw materials to botanical extracts

Area of Science:

• Botanical ingredient analysis
• Molecular diagnostics
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Industrial processing significantly impacts botanical ingredients.
• Assessing DNA quality and quantity is crucial for ingredient authenticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate DNA quality and quantity variations in botanical ingredients across industrial processing stages.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different biotechnologies for DNA analysis in processed botanical samples.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 1242 botanical ingredient samples using multivariate statistics.
• Compared DNA barcoding, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for DNA testing success.
• Assessed DNA quantity (ng/μL) and fragment length (bp) across processing gradients.

Main Results:

• Significant variance in DNA quality and quantity observed.
• Raw materials yielded higher DNA quantities (50-120 ng/μL) with longer fragments (400-500 bp).
• Extracts showed lower DNA quantities (0.1-10.0 ng/μL) and shorter fragments (50-150 bp).

Conclusions:

• Targeted molecular diagnostics are effective for species identification in raw and processed NHP ingredients.
• NGS and non-targeted tests require further validation due to risks of false results.
• Molecular tools ensure ingredient authenticity, prevent adulteration, and protect biodiversity.