06.18.24
Alkemist Labs has released a top-20 list of botanicals and fungi that most frequently failed identity testing during the first half of 2024.
CEO Elan Sudberg described the companies that test with Alkemist as “the best of the best,” so the contract testing lab may not see as many failures as some other labs. However, sharing the ingredients that are currently the most problematic is valuable to the industry.
All were tested using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) to assess identity and quality of botanicals and various ingredients. HPTLC, for which Alkemist holds a flexible scope ISO 17025 accreditation, is able to detect adulterants and contamination, such as containing incorrect plant parts, closely related species, and unknowns. This technique is applicable to crude raw botanicals from powdered to whole form, extract (powdered or liquid), and finished product/blends.
This list is representative of the products Alkemist’s manufacturer clients are testing before they are included in their products as well as some finished products.
*Common names are as listed in AHPA’s Herbs of Commerce 3rd Edition, the definitive guide to proper botanical and fungi labeling.
** Not listed in Herbs of Commerce
Several of the materials on this list are making a repeat appearance, including Eleuthero, Lion’s mane, apple, monk fruit, nettle, grape, ashwagandha, and the botanical that saw the most failures in 2023, elderberry.
“We encourage brands to be especially careful sourcing these materials, and make sure they are tested by the most competent labs,” Sudberg said. “ We also suggest that anyone involved in raw material sourcing familiarize themselves with the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) and have a policy in place for dealing with serious quality issues before they need it.”
CEO Elan Sudberg described the companies that test with Alkemist as “the best of the best,” so the contract testing lab may not see as many failures as some other labs. However, sharing the ingredients that are currently the most problematic is valuable to the industry.
All were tested using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) to assess identity and quality of botanicals and various ingredients. HPTLC, for which Alkemist holds a flexible scope ISO 17025 accreditation, is able to detect adulterants and contamination, such as containing incorrect plant parts, closely related species, and unknowns. This technique is applicable to crude raw botanicals from powdered to whole form, extract (powdered or liquid), and finished product/blends.
This list is representative of the products Alkemist’s manufacturer clients are testing before they are included in their products as well as some finished products.
| Latin Name | Common Name* |
| Echinacea purpurea | Echinacea purpurea |
| Eleutherococcus senticosus | Eleuthero |
| Ganoderma lucidum | Reishi |
| Gynostemma pentaphyllum | Gynostemma |
| Hericium erinaceus | Lion’s mane |
| Malus pumila | Apple |
| Melissa officinalis | Lemon balm |
| Nasturtium officinale | Watercress |
| Olea europaea | Olive |
| Rhodiola rosea | Rhodiola |
| Sambucus nigra | Elderberry, European elder |
| Serenoa repens | Saw palmetto |
| Siraitia grosvenorii | Luo han guo, monk fruit |
| Stevia rebaudiana | Stevia |
| Taraxacum officinale | Dandelion |
| Trifolium pratense | Red clover |
| Urtica dioica | Nettle, stinging nettle |
| Vangueria agrestis** | Bakin gagai (Hausa) |
| Vitis vinifera | Grape |
| Withania somnifera | Ashwagandha |
*Common names are as listed in AHPA’s Herbs of Commerce 3rd Edition, the definitive guide to proper botanical and fungi labeling.
** Not listed in Herbs of Commerce
Several of the materials on this list are making a repeat appearance, including Eleuthero, Lion’s mane, apple, monk fruit, nettle, grape, ashwagandha, and the botanical that saw the most failures in 2023, elderberry.
“We encourage brands to be especially careful sourcing these materials, and make sure they are tested by the most competent labs,” Sudberg said. “ We also suggest that anyone involved in raw material sourcing familiarize themselves with the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) and have a policy in place for dealing with serious quality issues before they need it.”
