Botanical ID testing is vital for identifying, authenticating, and qualifying herbal goods and plant-based material. It helps ascertain that the product is properly labeled with the corresponding botanical species, genus, and plant part. Besides assisting in identifying adulterants and contaminants, it helps maintain the consistency, purity, and potency of herbal products. As the FDA puts in the stringent 100% identity rule under cGMPs, efficient and trustworthy testing methods are needed to meet these requirements. Everglade is one of the few labs that can perform botanical ID testing using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and HPTLC (High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography) out of the regulatory prerequisites. Otherwise, verification of herbal and plant materials requires at least two confirming methods which deal with the tissues is dissected and genetically biomolecular identify.

Important Methods for Botanical ID Testing

Although there are many trustworthy approaches for botanical identification, the most popular ones are HPTLC and HPLC. The latter has a significant role in fingerprint analysis and chemical profiling of plant extracts, powders, and dried materials.

1. High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)

HPTLC is a recent and sophisticated method for fingerprint analysis and marker compound identification. This technology enables automation of the chromatographic step for the analysis of plant sample components. Compared to traditional TLC, HPTLC yields many reproducible results, allowing separation and visualization of several compounds. The advantages of HPTLC for botanical ID testing include:

HPTLC offers an exclusive “fingerprint” of the botanical material, thus allowing identification of the species and genus after comparison with reference standards.

This technique integrates both qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis, which makes it appropriate for many types of botanical products.

As HPTLC is the primary test needed for pharmacopoeia monographs on botanicals, it is an important tool for meeting the FDA requirement for 100% botanical identity.

It can provide results for even complex botanical samples, using non-destructive characterization techniques such as elusion by other solvents that do not absorb UV light.

By employing standardized procedures and validated SOPs, HPTLC achieves reproducible results sequentially, which makes it the preferred method for botanical testing within a cGMP facility.

2. HPLC – High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

HPLC is yet another popular technique used to analyze and identify a botanical specimen. This method is specific in the measurement of bioactive substances and the differentiation of chemical constituents of mixtures. Despite possessing greater time consumption and not being able to detect non-UV absorbing compounds, HPLC is superior in:

HPLC is a powerful tool for obtaining precise quantitative information, for instance, the number of certain component(s) of the extracts of plants from which the sample(s) was (were) obtained.

As with HPTLC, HPLC is capable of generating chemical fingerprints of the botanical sample that enable the sample to be compared with other botanical samples.

HPLC can identify and quantify marker compounds in plant samples accurately with the aim of meeting regulatory requirements and for product development.

Although HPLC is more accurate and specific when determining the quantity of active ingredients, many laboratories prefer HPTLC for routine testing because of its speed, low cost, and ease of use with samples from different types of plants.

How Can Chromak Research Help with Your Botanical ID Testing Needs?

Chromak Research uses advanced techniques such as HPTLC and HPLC to meet your botanical ID testing requirements. Printed products, on the other hand, have features whose safety and quality must be validated. Here’s what you can expect from us regarding your botanical analysis:

cGMP Compliance

All of our tests are in full compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices. For identity verification of botanical products, the FDA sets 100% compliance needs. With our cGMP-certified laboratory, you can rest assured knowing we will meet all of your requirements.

Comprehensive Services

Aside from HPTLC and HPLC methods, we provide the full spectrum of testing services, including microscopy, which helps us determine whether the plants have characters of the suspected ones or their adulterants and the aids for purity and stability study tests.

Expertise and Experience

Our team has in-depth knowledge in the field of your botanical testing needs. Decades of experience make us aware of how to create custom methods that are unique to your products.

Reliable Results

We have invested in instrumentation that is at the cutting edge of technology and in testing procedures that are validated, which helps us provide results that are consistent and accurate.

Global Testing Network

We can cover most of your requirements regarding botanical analysis and do so in a cost-friendly and effective manner, thanks to our large network of testing partners.

Conclusion: The Significance of Testing Botanical Identification

Accuracy in botanical ID testing is critical in the verification, safety, and efficacy of herbal products. With the increasing use of supplements and herbal medicines, the demand for accurate product quality control is also on the rise. The use of Advanced HPTLC and HPLC techniques for fingerprinting and compound identification becomes highly valuable. At Chromak Research, we aim to deliver exceptional testing services to help you meet regulatory requirements, avoid adulteration, and safeguard your botanical products’ integrity.

Get in touch with us at Chromak Research today to discuss your specific needs for herbal products and learn how our botanical ID testing services will help preserve the quality and authentic nature of your herbal products.