Dear Reader

The actions of the New York State Attorney General (NY AG) continue to have an impact on the entire supplement industry and the herbal dietary supplements industry in particular. As a reminder to readers, the NY AG conducted an initial investigation into botanical dietary supplements based on DNA barcode testing results that did not show the presence of DNA of the labeled species in the majority of cases. This prompted his office to send cease-and-desist letters to GNC, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart, demanding that they halt sales of popular store-brand herbal dietary supplements. On March 27, 2015, an agreement was signed between GNC and the NY AG allowing the same products previously described as “posing an unacceptable risk to New York families” back on the shelves after the NY AG declared in the agreement that “results of this [GNC’s in-house] testing likewise indicate that the tested supplements were manufactured consistent with FDA cGMP requirements.” ... MORE

Stefan Gafner, PhD
Chief Science Officer, ABC
Technical Director, ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program

ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program

Recent News

AOAC INTERNATIONAL®, NHPRS, HKBU, AIHM, IHPC, and IRH Endorse the Botanical Adulterants Program AOAC INTERNATIONAL, a globally recognized, independent, third-party, not-for-profit, and voluntary consensus standards-developing ... MORE
Second Laboratory Guidance Document, Bilberry, to be Published by the Botanical Adulterants Program The bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae) extract Laboratory Guidance Document, containing a review of 35 chemical methods to authenticate bilberry ... MORE
White Paper Reviewing Analytical Methods for the Evaluation of the Identity, Purity, Strength, and Composition of Botanical Dietary Supplements to be Released This extensive document, written by James Neal-Kababick (Director, Flora Research Laboratories, LLC; Grants Pass, OR) and Roy Upton ... MORE
ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program Welcomes New Supporters and Underwriters The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program is grateful for the support of the following companies ... MORE

Regulatory Alerts

New York Attorney General Signs Agreement with GNC Requiring Use of DNA Barcoding as a Quality Control Method for Botanical Dietary Supplements

As noted in the previous issue of the “Botanical Adulterants Monitor,” on February 3, 2015, New York Attorney General

... MORE

Industry Alerts

Alleged Cranberry Adulteration

The Botanical Adulterants Program was alerted by Nutra Canada (Champlain, Quebec, Canada) about

... MORE

Upcoming Events

Below are descriptions and links to some of the upcoming conferences, seminars, and workshops that may be of interest to learn more on adulteration.

AHPA-AHP Workshop on Botanical, Macroscopic, and Organoleptic Assessment of Herbal Ingredients for cGMP Compliance
Portland, OR: June 15^th – 16^th, 2015

... MORE

Previous Issues of “Botanical Adulterants Monitor”

Available here.

Science Update

Focus on Ginkgo biloba Adulteration

Part I: DNA Barcoding Confirms that Commercial Ginkgo Products Contain Ginkgo biloba

Reviewed: Little DP. Authentication of Ginkgo biloba herbal dietary supplements using DNA barcoding. Genome. 2014;57(9):513-516.

Consumer health products containing extracts of Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) are among the most popular herbal products worldwide. The authors of this study used a DNA barcoding approach to identify G. biloba plant material unambiguously and to verify the presence of G. biloba in dietary supplements purchased in retail stores in the New York area and online. ... MORE

Part II: A Validated GC-MS Method to Characterize Ginkgolic Acids in Ginkgo biloba Plant Material and Dietary Supplements

Reviewed: Wang M, Zhao J, Avula B, Wang YH, Avonto C, Chittiboyina AG, Wylie PL, Parcher JF, Khan IA. High-resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for characterization and quantitative analysis of ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba plants, extracts, and dietary supplements. J Agric Food Chem. 2014;62(50):12103-12111.

The ginkgolic acids are a group of compounds that, together with cardanols and cardols, represent the alkylphenols found in Ginkgo biloba leaves and seed coats. These alkylphenols are considered to be a safety concern due to their structural similarity with urushiols, the allergenic compounds in poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans, Anacardiaceae) and poison sumac (T. vernix), and due to cytotoxic effects found in in vitro studies and immunotoxic effects in a mouse model.
... MORE

Authentication of Australian Tea Tree Oil by GC-FID Using Enantiomeric Ratios of Terpinen-4-ol and alpha-Terpineol

Reviewed: Wong YF, Davies NW, Chin S-T, Larkman T, Marriott PJ. Enantiomeric distribution of selected terpenes for authenticity assessment of Australian Melaleuca alternifolia oil. Ind Crops Prod. Ind Crop prodI 2015;67:475-483.

The essential oil from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae), a tree native to Australia, is commonly known as tea tree oil (TTO). The oil is a popular ingredient due to its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. Adulteration of the oil, in which cheaper synthetic material or volatile compounds obtained from other plants are added intentionally, has become a significant problem for the producers of authentic TTO. ... MORE

The Influence of Boiling Time on the Quality of DNA in Ginseng Decoctions

Reviewed: Lo Y-T, Li M, Shaw P-C. Identification of constituent herbs in ginseng decoctions by DNA markers. Chin Med. 2015;10(1):1. doi:10.1186/s13020-015-0029-x.

In this paper, the usefulness of DNA barcoding for authentication of plant materials used in decoctions is discussed. In the experiment, 10 g of powdered Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng, Araliaceae) was boiled in 200 mL for 30, 60, and 120 minutes. In addition, two multi-herb decoctions were prepared consisting of (a) Asian ginseng and aconite (Aconitum carmichaelii, Ranunculaceae) and (b) a combination of Asian ginseng with bai-zhu atractylodes (Atractylodes macrocephala, Asteraceae), Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Fabaceae), and ginger (Zingiber officinale, Zingiberaceae). ... MORE

A Survey of Commercial Crude Rhodiola crenulata Raw Materials in China

Reviewed: Xin T, Li X, Yao H, Lin Y, Ma X, Cheng R, Song J, Ni L, Fan C, Chen S. Survey of commercial Rhodiola products revealed species diversity and potential safety issues. Sci Rep. 2015;5:8337. doi: 10.1038/srep08337.

The roots and rhizomes of rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea, Crassulaceae) are widely used in Western phytotherapy, and according to the European Medicines Agency Community Herbal Monograph, a 65-70% hydroalcoholic extract can be used for temporary relief of symptoms of stress, such as fatigue and signs of weakness.¹ In the United States, other species sold under the accepted common name “rhodiola” include R. algida var. tangutica and R. kirilowii.² In China, the only rhodiola species accepted in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is hong jing tian (R. crenulata), which is considered to invigorate the blood, free the pulse, and calm panting. ... MORE

Useful Links and Resources

For more information and updates on the work of the three partner organizations of the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program, please visit ABC at www.herbalgram.org, AHP at www.herbal-ahp.org, and NCNPR at www.pharmacy.olemiss.edu/ncnpr.

Other Helpful Resources and Links

AHPA Botanical Identity References Compendium:
www.botanicalauthentication.org/index.php/Main_Page

Chinese Medicinal Plants Authentication Centre:
www.kew.org/science/ecbot/ecbot-cmpac.html

European Commision's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed:
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/consumers/

... MORE

About the

The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program is a consortium of independent nonprofit organizations whose mission relates to education, scientific research, and quality of botanical dietary ingredients and related plant-derived materials. The consortium is headed by three nonprofit groups dealing with education and research on medicinal herbs and other beneficial plants: the American Botanical Council, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi. The program is underwritten or endorsed by more than 130 natural products industry companies, independent analytical laboratories, contract research organizations, nonprofit and professional organizations, trade associations, accredited institutions of education in natural medicine, law firms, and media companies that are involved in the production, supply, manufacture, distribution, marketing, analysis, research, and/or education of herbal dietary ingredients and supplements, in the United States and internationally. All publications of the Program are available free-access on its homepage including the “Botanical Adulterants Monitor,” an e-newsletter that conveys Program news, regulatory updates, and recent scientific publications related to adulteration, contamination, identity, and authenticity of botanical raw materials, extracts, and essential oils. Companies, organizations, foundations, and/or individuals interested in supporting this program are invited to contact Ms. Denise Meikel, ABC Development Director, at (512) 926-4900, ext. 120, or by email.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Underwriters and Supporters of the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program (as of June 8, 2015)*
Financial Underwriters 21st Century Healthcare AdvoCare International L.P. Agilent Technologies, Inc. Aloecorp Inc. Amen Clinics Amway/Nutrilite Health Institute Artemis International, Inc. Atrium Innovations Aveda Corporation Beachbody, LLC BI Nutraceuticals Bioceuticals Bionorica SE Blackmores Botanical Liaisons Capsugel Cepham, Inc. Chemi Nutra CNCA Health Crila Health dicentra, Inc. Doctor's Best Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps DolCas Biotech, LLC Douglas Laboratories DSM Nutritional Products, Inc. Emerson Ecologics Enzymatic Therapy, Inc. Ethical Naturals, Inc. Eu Yan Sang International EuroMed EuroMedica EuroPharma Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH FoodState/MegaFood Gaia Herbs GE Nutrients, Inc. GNC, Inc. Healthy Lifestyle Brands, LLC Helios Corp. Herb Pharm Herbalife International, Inc. Horphag Research iHerb Indena USA, Inc. Indfrag Ltd. Ingredient Identity Jarrow Formulas Layn USA, Inc. Linnea Markan Global Enterprises, Inc. Martin Bauer, Inc. MediHerb / Integria Healthcare Metagenics, Inc. Natreon, Inc. Natural Alternatives International, Inc. Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Inc./Bioclinic Naturals	Financial Underwriters (cont'd) Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Nature's Sunshine Products Nature's Way Naturex, Inc. NBTY, Inc. New Chapter, Inc. The New Frontier Foundation Fund of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Ningbo Greenhealth Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Novel Ingredients NOW Foods Nu Skin Enterprises/Pharmanex Nutritional Laboratories International Ortho Molecular Products Pacific Nutritional Inc. Paragon Laboratories Pathway International Pty Limited Perrigo Company Pharmatoka SAS Pharmavite, LLC Phoenix Formulations PLT Health Solutions, Inc. Polyphenolics, Division of Constellation Brands, Inc. Pure Encapsulations Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems Rosenbush and Zimmerman Family Fund RFI Ingredients, LLC Sabinsa Corporation Schwabe North America Seroyal Shaklee Corp Standard Process, Inc. Strategic Sourcing, Inc. Thorne Research, Inc. Traditional Medicinals, Inc. Triarco Industries, Inc. Unigen Univera, Inc. Valensa International V.D.F. FutureCeuticals Verdure Sciences Vitamin Shoppe Whole Foods Market ZMC-USA	Trade Associations Australian Self Medication Industry Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (Australia) British Herbal Medicine Association (UK) Complementary Medicines Australia (Australia) Consumer Healthcare Products Association (US) Council for Responsible Nutrition (US) International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) Natural Products Association (US) Natural Products New Zealand (NZ) United Natural Products Alliance (US) Nonprofit/Professional Associations Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine American Association of Naturopathic Physicians American Herbalists Guild American Society of Pharmacognosy Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC International) Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Integrative Healthcare Policy Consortium Irish Register of Herbalists National Institute of Medical Herbalists Natural Health Products Research Society of Canada Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research - GA Colleges/Universities Bastyr University Boucher Institute for Naturopathic Medicine Hong Kong Baptist University National College of Natural Medicine Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine	Third-Party Analytical Laboratories Alkemist Labs AuthenTechnologies LLC Bent Creek Institute British Columbia Institute of Technology ChromaDex Covance Laboratories Douglas Laboratories Eurofins Scientific Inc. Flora Research Labs NSF International Spectrix Labs Tampa Bay Analytical Media Delicious Living Engredea Functional Ingredients Holistic Primary Care Informa Exhibitions US Integrator Blog Media Relations, Inc. Modern Healthcare Practitioner Natural Foods Merchandiser Natural Products INSIDER NewHope360.com Nutraceuticals World NutraingredientsUSA.com Nutrition Business Journal Nutrition Industry Executive Nutritional Outlook Vitamin Retailer WholeFoods Magazine Law Firms Amin Talati & Upadhye, LLC Greenberg Traurig, LLP (James Prochnow) Law Office of Holly Bayne, P.C. Robert Forbes & Associates Susan Brienza, LLC Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman, LLP Contract Research Organizations KGK Synergize Research Institutes Korean Ginseng Research Institute Shanghai Research Center for TCM Modernization/Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

*By acknowledging the generous support of these companies and organizations, ABC, AHP, and NCNPR are not endorsing any ingredients or products that may be produced or marketed by them.

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