The Root Causes Of A Botanical Fraud
Eleuthero root and root extract are used for herbal over-the-counter medicinal supplements with anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, energy boosting and antioxidant properties. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as Siberian Ginseng, can be adulterated by adding Eleuthero aerial parts, the use of alternate species of Eleutherococcus or by declaring Periploea sepium (Chinese Silk) as Eleuthero. Variances in nomenclature in different parts of the world contribute to adulteration and mislabeling. The use of correct Latin names and comparison to authentic botanical material, as well as analytical methods to authenticate Eleuthero, for example, DNA barcoding and spectrometric methods, help to avoid that fraudulent Eleuthero products show up in medicinal supplements.
Resource
- Coskun, S.H., and Brinckmann, J. (November 2021). “Adulteration of Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Root and its Extracts”. American Botanical Council.
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