Bilberry Extract, Grape Seed Extract and Skullcap Botanical Adulterants Bulletins Published by ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program

The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program has released the inaugural publications of a new series of reviews on adulteration of botanicals and botanical ingredients. These Botanical Adulterants Bulletins (BABs) include general information on the plant species and data on cultivation, harvest, and market size. The main part contains a summary of available data on adulteration, including known adulterants, information on the frequency of adulteration, possible therapeutic issues when adulterating species are present, and analytical approaches to detect the adulterant. In continuing with the Program’s policy of extensive peer review of its publications, a total of 23 different expert reviewers provided input into the initial bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae) fruit extract, grape (Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae) seed extract, and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora, Lamiaceae) herb BABs, with each of the BABs being reviewed by at least 13 experts. The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program plans to release additional BABs in 2016. Currently in peer review are the BABs on black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Ranunculaceae), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis, Ranunculaceae) root, and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae). As with all publications in the Program, the new BABs are freely accessible on ABC's and the Program’s websites for ABC Members and all Registered Users (free) thanks to the underwriting of this initiative by BAP supporters.