The Ultimate Botanical ID Method

It’s taken years to amass the thousands of authenticated Botanical Reference Materials (BRMs) and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) we feel is requisite to provide you the most robust botanical ID testing service possible. 

The LeafWorks® Botanical DNA ID Test confirms whether a material contains the target species of interest. Ideal for both single-ingredient materials and complex blends, this service uses a highly sensitive DNA sequencing method to deliver reliable species identification. In addition to public resources, LeafWorks' Botanical DNA Database includes thousands upon thousands of carefully authenticated Botanical Reference Materials and Certified Reference Materials, from expert botanists and mycologists, CRM providers, and our relationships with herbaria, such as the Missouri Botanical Garden. Our method has been extensively validated to ensure rigorous and accurate identification. Each sample is tested against this robust database to determine conformity to the expected species.

Why Choose LeafWorks for Botanical ID

Unmatched Expertise in Botanical Genetics: The LeafWorks team is led by experts at the forefront of their fields in plant and fungal genomics, state-of-the-art bioinformatics and sequencing-based method development. We specialize in (and love) working with complex genomes and species with intricate evolutionary and life histories.

Taxonomy Meets Industry Insight:With trained botanists on staff and a deep love of taxonomy, we account for important species relationships in everything we do. We also have extensive knowledge in the issues and challenges behind natural products sourcing and Best Agricultural Practices to drive quality.

Species-Specific Precision:Our DNA assays are designed to target regions unique to the species of interest, absent in any other genome. It’s taken significant investment in our database and bioinformatic pipelines, but we have the process of identifying, utilizing and validating species-specific regions down pat.

Extensive Reference Database:Our DNA Database contains thousands of authenticated Botanical Reference Materials (BRMs) and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), curated from expert botanists, mycologists, respected CRM providers and leading herbaria. And it’s ever growing.

Rigorous Validation:Every assay is extensively tested to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

DNA Advantage:The DNA molecule exists as a physical state that is stable and reliable for identification. It is long-lasting, hardy, unaffected by growing conditions, and unaffected by what other species are present in a blend.

Blend-Ready Accuracy: Because DNA cannot be masked or hidden unlike in other methods, DNA offers confident identification even in complex, multi-ingredient products.

Key Benefits Of The LeafWorks® Botanical DNA ID Test

Whether you are validating raw material identity, auditing finished product content, or testing botanical inputs from global suppliers, this DNA-based assay offers a scientifically rigorous foundation for identity confirmation.

• Covers the top herbs and fungi used in most natural products, as well as relevant sister species, common adulterants, and product specific adulterants.
• Our method is backed by one of the largest CRM/BRM collections of natural products in the industry.Powered by thousands of high-quality botanical references from both certified and authenticated sources, including from American Herbal Pharmacopeia and the Missouri Botanical Garden, the fifth largest herbarium in the world.
• Versatile testing: We are absolute pros at handling materials difficult to extract, have trace amounts of DNA, or that are degraded. Our method is suitable for single ingredients and blends across a wide range of matrices.
• Regulatory compliance:Our test meets regulatory compliance requirements in the US such as 21 CFR 111, European regulations and elsewhere abroad, for ingredient validation and accurate labeling.
• Empowered decisionmaking:Whether you're a QA/QC manager, botanical R&D scientist, or responsible for sourcing and purchasing, this test was built to ensure you know what you have in hand.

How It Works:

1. Setup Your Account: Contact us to get started.
2. Place Your Order: Order through our easy-to-use portal.
3. Sample Submission: Submit a minimum of 20 grams of your material.
4. DNA Extraction: We extract DNA from your sample, using cutting-edge techniques that can handle even the most challenging of materials, and prepare it for sequencing.
5. Sequencing and Analysis: The extracted DNA is processed through our sequencing pipeline, leveraging the LeafWorks® Botanical DNA Database for accurate identification.
6. Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Receive a detailed Certificate of Analysis indicating whether your sample conforms to the target species specification.

Why Choose DNA Testing

The natural products and dietary supplements industry demands accurate and reliable identification to ensure label compliance, supply chain transparency, and product authenticity. Traditional chemical methods can fail to distinguish between botanicals with similar chemical profiles and may vary based on how products were cultivated, making DNA testing an excellent choice for botanical identification. DNA testing is impervious to masking or hidden ingredients. It cannot be fooled. Let the LeafWorks® Botanical DNA ID Test provide you with definitive results, to maintain quality, satisfy 21 CFR 111, and protect your brand's reputation.

Try the LeafWorks way and see how authenticity is in our DNA.