The Role of Botanical Reference Materials in Dietary Supplement Testing
What are botanical reference materials (BRM)?
Botanical reference materials (BRM) are plant standards used to help verify the identity, purity, or composition of botanical products. Since each species, and even organ, of a plant has a unique set of properties, it is important that BRMs used in botanical testing represent the specific product. That way, the physical, chemical, genetic, and molecular characteristics of a botanical product can be compared to a validated reference to provide the most accurate and reliable testing outputs.
In other words, BRMs are authenticated, validated plant samples that represent a specific raw botanical used in products. BRMs are associated with a range of parameters which can be used to verify that the product being tested meets industry and federal expectations.
BRMs play a larger role in analytical testing than providing information of what characteristics a specific product should have. They are also crucial for method development and optimization. When analytical methods are developed based on a BRM, they can be standardized across locations and labs. This reduces variations in test results, ultimately improving reproducibility and turnaround time.
Where do BRMs come from?
BRMs are provided through a variety of sources and companies including the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) and Chromadex. These companies have extensive catalogues of available BRMs, each with accompanying test results and parameters. In many cases, these validated tests are coupled with micro- and macroscopic images and voucher specimens to ensure maximum authenticity. While these companies are sources of BRMS, they do not typically perform regulatory testing.
When considering an external laboratory to test botanical products, it is important to ensure they have access to and experience with a large collection of BRMs from reputable sources. Eurofins has a BRM library of over 800 samples, all from trustworthy companies, available for use in analytical analysis. The variety available in the Eurofins library is ideal for a range of botanical verification and analytical testing.
How are BRMs used throughout the testing process?
Method development and optimization: BRMs are extremely helpful for method development and optimization. For example, a BRM can be extracted and run on a UPLC instrument to ensure the expected chromatographic peaks can be detected using the parameters in the method. If not, the method can be adjusted before any customer sample is wasted. Likewise, if a BRM is associated with characteristic physical properties, like melting point or pH, instruments can be calibrated to ensure they have proper readings of the BRM for valid sample comparison.
Ingredient identification and validation: Once testing methods are optimized for the BRM accompanying a specific product, they can be used to validate the identity of raw or processed materials. The BRM represents what parameters a certain botanical product should meet. The BRM is tested using the same lab equipment and instruments as the samples, allowing a direct comparison of test results. If the sample matches the BRM, it is likely the target plant. If there are discrepancies with testing outcomes, the BRM acts as a reference for troubleshooting to identify potential contaminants or adulterations.
Examples of BRMs:
HERBS: Panax spp. (Ginseng):
Different herbal products often have a single common name but are actually different species with unique dietary and analytical properties. Similarly, root and leaf products from the same species have different testing parameters. Thus, it is important that a testing lab has access to BRMs for the specific herbal supplement being tested.
Ginseng is a commonly used herbal supplement, with claims of anti-inflammatory properties and improved immune support. There are two main species of ginseng: Asian ginseng (P. ginsing) and American ginseng (P. quinquefolious), but a third species, Tienchi ginseng (P. pseudoginseng) can be found on the market. Since there is a variety of ginseng species, each with unique chemical and physical properties, a different BRM is necessary for each. The Eurofins library has five ginseng BRMs: 3 for different plant parts of Asian ginseng and one each for the roots of Tienchi and American ginseng.
FRUIT: Puncia granatum (Pomegranate):
Like herbs, the part of a fruit can largely impact the properties analyzed during routine testing, meaning that different products from the same species may require separate BRMs. Pomegranate is a fruit packed with anthocyanins and other antioxidant compounds, and supplements formulated using different parts of the fruit have various potential benefits. In order to properly validate and authenticate pomegranate products, the Eurofins library contains a separate BRM for pomegranate whole fruits, rinds, and seeds.
RESINS: Commuphora mukul (Guggul):
Some supplements and botanicals are sourced as resins, waxes, or other non-organ materials. When testing resins, it is important to use methods that are suitable for the thicker material; analytical chemistry approaches often require additional steps to handle resinous samples. Guggul has several potential beneficial properties, and is often sold as an extract in pill or capsule form. The BRM for Guggul is available as a resin and is used to compare the HPLC profile of products and standards to ensure the desired chemical constituents are present for authentication.
Our Eurofins team of experts can help you with all of your botanical testing needs.
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