New 'Laboratory Guidance Documents' Series HelpsIndustry Detect Potential Herb Adulteration:Botanical Adulterants Program's first two Lab Guidance Documents review analytical lab methods for skullcap and bilberry extracts

摘要

The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program (BAP) announces the publication of its new Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae) fruit extract. This is part of the Program's new series of comprehensive, authoritative, extensively peer-reviewed, and up-to-date summaries and assessments of labo-ratory analytical methods for authentication of the identity of botanical ingredients and detection of the potential presence of known adulterants.The Program's bilberry LGD is the second publication in its Laboratory Guidance Document series for botanical ingredients. It follows January's inaugural LGD publication on skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora, Lamiaceae) herb. There is ample evidence frompublished and unpublished laboratory reports that both of these herbs are subject to adulteration in the US and international markets. These free documents — available at no cost thanks to the Program's underwriters and supporters — are intended for use by quality control personnel and lab technicians in the herbal medicine, botanical ingredient, and dietary supplement sectors to help them choose the most appropriate techniques and methods for their specific analytical needs.