Authentication Methods for Phytochemicals (Botanicals) in Plant Extracts and Dietary Supplements

Abstract

Demand for high-quality and standardized phytochemicals (botanicals) and plant extracts if rising in both the food and dietary supplement industries. Ensuring the authenticity of the plant raw materials used in botanical and dietary supplement manufacturing is an important step before processing raw materials. However, authenticating phytochemicals (botanicals) are challenging due to their unique characteristics, including geographical location, seasonal variations, environmental conditions, and plant diversity. These factors cause variability in properties, making consistent authentication methods difficult to establish. The current review is centered on the utilization of multisource and qualitative methods for authenticating the identity of botanical and food ingredients. This review highlights the integral role of various botanicals and plant extracts authentication methods such as micro/macroscopy, chromatography, and spectroscopy technology, including DNA-based approaches. Further summarizing the current state of knowledge and importance its potential contributions to the field of botanical ingredient authentication system. This study also highlights the plants used in dietary supplement categories of weight management, memory enhancement and blood sugar regulation and their adulteration/admixture. Furthermore, discusses considerations for selecting appropriate methods and optimization steps in the implementation and standardization of botanical and plant extract authentication. In addition, we discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation and standardization of botanical and plant extracts authentication system. The future of botanical authentication will be shaped by advances in molecular diagnostics such as targeted DNA barcoding, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and chemometric integration with spectroscopic techniques which are set to greatly enhance accuracy, traceability, and global compliance in botanical product safety and quality.

Keywords: Botanical authentication; botanicals; dietary supplements; phytochemicals; plant extracts; quality control.