They've named the botanicals and fungi that should undergo more scrutiny in sourcing and testing.
All samples were tested using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to assess the identity and quality of botanicals and various ingredients.
Alkemist holds a flexible scope ISO 17025 accreditation for HPTLC, which can detect adulterants and contamination, such as containing incorrect plant parts, closely related species and unknowns.
This technique applies to crude raw botanicals from powdered to whole form, extract (powdered or liquid) and finished product/blends.
This list is representative of the products Alkemist’s manufacturer clients are testing before they put them into their products, as well as some finished products.
Common names are as listed in AHPA’s Herbs of Commerce 3rd Edition, the definitive guide to proper botanical and fungi labelling (* = appeared on previous lists).
“We provide this information on current identity problems Alkemist is seeing to augment some of the other excellent tools available to the industry in supporting ingredient and product quality,” said Petra Erlandsen, Alkemist VP of Sales.
“This list, along with other resources such as the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) bulletins and laboratory guidance documents, can be critical tools for the market to stay vigilant against adulteration and other quality issues.”