Researchers at Chapman University have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against adulteration in dietary supplements. By combining cutting-edge DNA testing techniques, they have uncovered startling insights about the authenticity of ginseng products, exposing a concerning trend of undeclared plant species in nearly half of the samples tested. This discovery highlights the critical need for robust quality control measures to safeguard consumer health and ensure the integrity of the rapidly growing $17.9 billion global ginseng supplement market.
Exposing the Ginseng Fraud Epidemic
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Food Control, a team of researchers from Chapman University’s Food Science Program, led by Associate Professor Rosalee Hellberg, have uncovered a troubling trend in the ginseng supplement industry. After testing 50 commercially available ginseng products, they found that nearly half of the samples contained undeclared plant species, including rice, wheat, avocado, and pumpkin.
This discovery highlights the widespread issue of adulteration in the dietary supplement market, where cheaper plant materials are often substituted for genuine ingredients, putting consumer health and safety at risk. Diane Kim, the study’s lead author and a master’s student in food science, explains, “Authenticating herbal supplements like ginseng presents several challenges, including DNA degradation, natural variability in the amount of ginseng in the product, and cross-contamination during harvesting and processing.”
A Powerful Combination of DNA Techniques
To overcome these challenges, the researchers chose to combine two distinct testing methods: DNA barcoding and multiplex PCR. DNA barcoding is a technique that uses a short, standardized genetic sequence to identify species, while multiplex PCR allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple target species. By utilizing this novel combination of techniques, the research team was able to detect undeclared plant species in a majority of the ginseng supplements tested.
According to Rosalee Hellberg, the senior author of the study, “We found that the use of a combination of genetic methods was more powerful than using either method alone, allowing us to detect plant species in the majority of products.” However, the researchers also acknowledged that 28% of the samples could not be identified using either method, highlighting the need for further advancements in supplement authentication.
Towards a More Transparent Supplement Industry
The findings of this study have significant implications for the dietary supplement industry, regulatory bodies, and consumers alike. The detection method developed by the Chapman University team could help improve quality control and combat adulteration, ensuring that ginseng products and other herbal supplements are accurately labeled and free from undeclared ingredients.
As the global market for ginseng supplements continues to grow, projected to reach $17.9 billion by 2030, the need for reliable authentication methods becomes increasingly urgent. Hellberg emphasizes, “While the detection of undeclared species is concerning, additional testing is needed to quantify the level of these potential adulterants.” By combining DNA-based methods with chemical-based approaches, the researchers hope to further enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of ginseng detection, ultimately paving the way for a more transparent and trustworthy supplement industry.
