Alkemist Labs released a list of botanicals and fungi that experienced the most frequent testing failures during the second half of 2024. More care should be taken with these ingredients, across both sourcing and testing, the company said.

All samples were tested using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to assess the identity and quality of botanicals and various ingredients. Alkemist holds a scope ISO 17025 accreditation for HPTLC, which is able to detect adulterants and contamination, such as containing incorrect plant parts, closely related species, and unknowns. The technique is applied to raw botanicals in powdered and whole form, extracts, and finished products/blends.

The list of botanicals and fungi included:

• Angelica sinensis (Dong quai)
• Beta vulgaris (Beet)
• Camellia sinensis (Tea)
• Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon)
• Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
• Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s mane)
• Malphigia sp. (Acerola)
• Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
• Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)
• Origanum vulgare (Oregano)
• Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower)
• Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola)
• Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)
• Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia)
• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)
• Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
• Urtica dioica (Nettle/Stinging nettle)
• Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
• Vitis vinifera (Grape)
• Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Several of the materials were also frequent failures in Alkemist testing during 2023 and 2024, such as lion’s mane, lemon balm, monk fruit, rhodiola, stevia, and ashwagandha. While elderberry saw the most failures in 2023 and the first half of 2024, it didn’t make the latest list.

“We share this information with the industry so companies can be more vigilant,” said Petra Erlandson, Alkemist Labs’ director of sales and marketing. “Additoinally, we think it’s important that those sourcing raw material familiarize themselves with the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) and its tools, and develop a policy for handling serious quality issues in advance.”