In today’s globalized herbal ingredient and dietary supplement market, there is an urgent need for plantidentification methods that provide accurate results and identify the presence of accidental or deliberate adulterants or substitutes. Multiple analytical methods are available but vary in terms of expense, equipment, and necessary technical experience and knowledge; and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Why We're Adding Microscopy and Macroscopy to Our Toolbox
To complement and diversify our testing services, LeafWorks now offers plant identification services using both genomic and qualitative morphological (macroscopic) and microscopic analysis. Authenticated plant materials are fundamental to successful identification, and LeafWorks' reference collection allows comparison between both sample materials and reference material whose botanical identity has been expertly determined.
Macroscopy and microscopic identification use qualitative characters, like larger plant structures and forms (e.g., stems, leaves, seeds), as well as cellular structures (e.g., vascular elements, crystals, surface hairs), and is a rapid, inexpensive method compared to other identification methods. Botanical analysis can quickly identify specific plant parts, adulterants, and contaminants accurately and more thoroughly than DNA analysis alone. It can be applied to mixtures and can often differentiate between closely related species. It can be used in conjunction with other methods or as a valid and rigorous “stand-alone” method and satisfies the 21 CFR regulation for using appropriate identification methods for botanical medicine ingredients.
Extensive botanical experience and depth of knowledge are required to apply this old but now scarce method. Few universities and research institutions sustain academic programs for advanced botanical and taxonomic studies, making expertise rare.
Meet Kirsten Tripplett, Ph.D.
To help optimize our plan to diversify our testing services and range of plant ingredient testing, we’d like to introduce Kirsten Tripplett, Ph.D., who brings new qualitative expertise to our “toolbox” of medicinal plant identification and verification methods. With decades of anatomical and morphological experience and 13 years in the dietary supplement industry behind her, Kirsten utilizes pharmacopoeial monographs and validated identification techniques and will integrate our authenticated herbarium and plant reference collection into her botanical resources. Kirsten’s use of macro- and microscopic techniques and authenticated comparative reference collections was commended during an FDA audit as a well-substantiated and recommended approach to validated and accurate identification of medicinal botanical ingredients.
What Kirsten Specializes In
Kirsten specializes in the analysis and identification of:
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Raw plant materials such as root, flower, seed, leaf, bark
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Raw material powders such as root, flower, fruit seed, leaf, bark
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Some fungal fruiting body powders
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A range of potential adulterants
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Contaminants and filth
How the Identification Process Works
As a complement to genomic analysis or as a stand-alone method, Kirsten will identify and verify your target ingredient or mixtures using high-magnification microscope identification methods, and determine whether non-target ingredients are present. Kirsten’s identification services will provide customers with critical data and a Certificate of Analysis for your production records and substantiation files.
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Identification of plant part(s)
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Identification of taxon (or mixture components) if possible, utilizing authenticated reference materials as basis for all successful IDs
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Determining presence/absence of adulterants and contaminants, filth
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Overall material/sample quality
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Digital images that document critical morphological structures supporting botanical ID
Samples can be composite samples of a lot or evaluation material for potential purchase by a manufacturer. Kirsten will determine the plant organ present in the sample, based on comparison to the target plant, the presence or absence of foreign matter or contaminants (generally these elements are not detectable by DNA analysis), and general quality of the sample.
Three Levels of Analysis
Kirsten provides three new levels of analytical methods for our customers:
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High-magnification analysis and identification of powdered botanical ingredients
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Low-magnification morphological analysis can be applied to larger samples consisting of chopped or whole materials and provides a nuanced qualitative review of materials overall
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Both microscopic and macroscopic analysis can be bundled as an additional service and offered as a selection on the botanical analysis sample submission form (in progress).
Why an Orthogonal Approach Matters
Kirsten is an avid proponent of an orthogonal approach to ingredient identification, which implements more than one method to corroborate identification, verify correct plant part, presence/absence of adulterants, and other potential problems not illuminated by a single method. She recommends incorporating both genomic analysis and morphological/microscopic verification into a standardized testing approach: test results are rigorous and well-substantiated and fulfill strict FDA and cGMP regulations and requirements.
Learn more about our microscopy and macroscopy offerings here.
Contact us to place your order.
