What is it about?

In this review, we recount the history of DNA-based methods for identification of botanicals and discuss some of the difficulties in defining a specific bar code or codes to use. In addition, we describe how next generation sequencing technologies have enabled new techniques that can be applied to identifying these products with greater authority and resolution. We encourage scientists in this area of study to pursue DNA-based technology in addition to the existing methods for authentication of botanicals and dietary supplements.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Many plant preparations are misidentified or contaminated, which could cause serious problems for the users. Identification through DNA-based methods can help in the authentication of the starting materials as well as some of the end points.

Perspectives

We undertook this review to present a state-of-the art presentation of methods and upcoming techniques. We believe that DNA-based methods are needed for precise authentication.

Professor Ann M. Hirsch
University of California Los Angeles

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: DNA-Based Authentication of Botanicals and Plant-Derived Dietary Supplements: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?, Planta Medica, April 2015, Thieme Publishing Group,
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1545843.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page