Alkemist Labs Releases List Of “Herbs & Fungi We’re Watching” for Second Half of 2024 Naming 20 Ingredients Requiring Extra Scrutiny
Garden Grove, CA (December 17, 2024) – Alkemist Labs has released a list of the botanicals and fungi that most frequently failed identity testing during the second half of 2024. This information is valuable in that it identifies botanicals for which more care should be taken in sourcing and testing. It also can reveal some interesting trends.
All samples were tested using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) to assess identity and quality of botanicals and various ingredients. Alkemist holds a flexible scope ISO 17025 accreditation for HPTLC, which is able to detect adulterants and contamination, such as containing incorrect plant parts, closely related species, and unknowns. This technique is applicable 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.
Beat
Tea
Cinnamon
Ashwagandha*
Common names are as listed in AHPA’s Herbs of Commerce 3rd Edition, the definitive guide to proper botanical and fungi labeling.
*Appeared on previous list
Several of the materials on this list are making a repeat appearance, including Lion’s mane, Lemon balm, monk fruit, Rhodiola, Stevia, and Ashwagandha. Interestingly, the botanical that saw the most failures in 2023 and the first half of 2024, elderberry, did not make this latest “most failed” list.
“We share this information with the industry so companies can be more vigilant,” said Petra Erlandson, Alkemist Labs Director of Sales and Marketing. “Additionally, we think it’s important that those sourcing raw material familiarize themselves with the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) and its tools, and develop a policy for handing serious quality issues in advance.”
For specifics on methodology, please contact your rep at Alkemist Labs.
About Alkemist Labs
Alkemist Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited contract testing laboratory specializing in plant authentication, botanical ingredient identification, quantitative analytical services and contaminant screening for the Food & Beverage, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical industries. Located in a state-of-the-art facility in Garden Grove, California, Alkemist Labs offers clients a wide range of specialty research services to evaluate the identity, purity, and quality of botanical raw materials, dietary ingredients, and finished products. Alkemist Labs also produces a complete line of Composite Reference Botanicals (CRBs), critical tools for botanical identity verification. Since it was founded in 1997, Alkemist Labs has become the ideal “Partner for Quality” to companies interested in producing high quality natural products requiring independent, third-party analysis, Stability/Shelf-life studies, Certification of Analysis, and cGMP compliance.
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