Botanical identification: ensuring the authenticity of plant species
Botanical identification verifies the plant species actually present in a product, whether it be plants, spices, aromatic herbs, teas, food supplements or processed ingredients.
Species substitutions, cross-contamination or labelling errors can compromise product quality, regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
Phytocontrol supports manufacturers, importers and distributors in verifying the authenticity of their raw materials and finished products through botanical identification based on methods derived from the pharmacopoeias. This fraud detection relies on the complementarity of the following three analyses:
Macroscopic analysis and organoleptic properties
Microscopic analysis
Chemical fingerprint analysis (TLC / HPTLC or GC)
We aim to raise awareness among all players in the plant chemistry sector about carrying out identification as early as possible in the plant transformation process. Indeed, extraction and transformation processes select and/or erase the specific markers used for characterisation.
However, as an example, the European Pharmacopoeia lists 34 plant extracts for which botanical identification can be carried out without adapting the method.
We would also point out that botanical identification according to the pharmacopoeias uses regulatory and legally enforceable methods (i.e. methods with genuine legal value).
Particular points of vigilance:
Botanical confusions
Imprecise vernacular names relative to scientific nomenclature (genus, species, author).
Confusion between similar names (non-Western traditional medicines).
Fraud by addition
Intentional additions of foreign substances to a batch of plant material to increase its weight and reduce its cost.
Additions of undeclared active substances or their analogues to avoid detection. They are added to increase the potency of the perceived effect.
Intentional additions to improve the visual quality of the product.
Fraud by substitution
Substitute plant materials are plants whose properties are similar to those of the original material: active ingredient content, organoleptic and therapeutic properties.
Example: Making ginseng root extract using ginseng leaves and fruit.
Why check plant species?
Unambiguous distinction of each species.
Unambiguous distinction of plant parts.
Detection of all types of falsification (intentional and unintentional).
Phytocontrol supports and advises pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and food industries, as well as suppliers of aromatics, PPAM, natural ingredients and spice traders, in the botanical identification of their raw materials and finished products.
