Quantification of Actaea racemosa L. (black cohosh) from some of its potential adulterants using qPCR and dPCR methods.

The demand for popular natural health products (NHPs) such as Black Cohosh is increasing considerably, which in turn challenges quality assurance (QA) throughout the supply chain. To detect and quantify the target species present in a given NHP, DNA-based molecular techniques such as Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) are standard tools in the food and pathogen testing industries. There is a gap in the literature concerning validated quantitative PCR methods for botanicals that can be utilized for QA and good manufacturing practices.

Validation and Optimization of qPCR Method for Identification of Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) NHPs.

Background: Actaea racemosa (black cohosh) herbal dietary supplements are commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms in women. However, there is a considerable risk of contamination of A. racemosa herbal products in the natural health product (NHP) industry, impacting potential efficacy.

Validated Identity Test Method for NHPs Using DNA-Based Species-Specific Hydrolysis PCR Probe.

There is considerable risk of adulteration of herbal products in the natural health product (NHP) industry. Authentication of products is challenging because of the standard, complex, analytical chemistry methods that may be too costly and not appropriate for both raw and finished products. We sought to develop and validate an alternative method to authenticate herbal dietary supplements, based on the use of a species-specific hydrolysis PCR probe assay.