Authentication Methods for Phytochemicals (Botanicals) in Plant Extracts and Dietary Supplements

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Pharmacognosy
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Rising demand for standardized phytochemicals and plant extracts in food and supplements.
• Authenticating botanicals is challenging due to variability from geography, season, environment, and plant diversity.
• Ensuring raw material authenticity is vital before processing in botanical and dietary supplement manufacturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review multisource and qualitative methods for authenticating botanical and food ingredients.
• To highlight methods like micro/macroscopy, chromatography, spectroscopy, and DNA-based approaches.
• To discuss challenges, opportunities, and future directions in botanical authentication systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on botanical authentication techniques.
• Analysis of methods including micro/macroscopy, chromatography, spectroscopy, and DNA-based approaches.
• Examination of adulteration and admixture in popular dietary supplement ingredients.

Main Results:

• Various authentication methods (microscopy, chromatography, spectroscopy, DNA) play integral roles.
• Adulteration and admixture are significant issues in weight management, memory, and blood sugar regulating supplements.
• Considerations for method selection, optimization, and standardization are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Advances in molecular diagnostics (DNA barcoding, NGS) and chemometrics will enhance accuracy and traceability.
• Standardization of botanical authentication systems is essential for global compliance and product safety.
• Future authentication systems will benefit from integrated molecular and spectroscopic techniques.