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Leonti M, Cabras S, Castellanos Nueda ME, Casu L. Food drugs as drivers of therapeutic knowledge and the role of chemosensory qualities. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118012. [PMID: 38447614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chemosensory qualities of botanical drugs are important cues for anticipating physiologic consequences. Whether a botanical drug is used for both, food and medicine, or only as medicine depends on taste preferences, nutritional content, cultural background, and the individual and overall epidemiological context. MATERIAL AND METHODS We subjected 540 botanical drugs described in De Materia Medica having at least one oral medical application to a tasting panel. The 540 drugs were grouped into those only used for medicine (388) and those also used for food (152). The associations with chemosensory qualities and therapeutic indications were compared across the two groups. We considered 22 experimentally assessed chemosensory qualities and 39 categories of therapeutic use groups. We wanted to know, 1): which chemosensory qualities increase the probability of an orally applied botanical drug to be also used for food ? 2): which chemosensory qualities augment the probability of an orally applied botanical drug to be only used for medicine? and 3): whether there are differences in therapeutic indications between orally applied botanical drugs also used for food (food drugs) and botanical drugs applied exclusively for medicinal purposes (non-food drugs) and, if yes, how the differences can be explained. RESULTS Chemosensory qualities augmenting the probability of an orally applied botanical drug to be also used for food were sweet, starchy, salty, burning/hot, fruity, nutty, and cooling. Therapeutics used for diarrhoea, as libido modulators, purgatives, laxatives, for expelling parasites, breast and lactation and increasing diuresis, were preferentially sourced from food drugs while drugs used for liver and jaundice, vaginal discharge and humoral management showed significant negative associations with food dugs in ancient Greek-Roman materia medica. CONCLUSION Therapeutics used for ailments of body organs involved in the digestion of food and the excretion of waste products showed a tendency to be sourced from food drugs. Arguably, the daily consumption of food offered the possibility for observing post-prandial physiologic and pharmacologic effects which led to a high therapeutic versatility of food drugs and the possibility to understand benefits of taste and flavour qualities. The difference in chemosensory qualities between food drugs and non-food drugs is demarcating the organoleptic requirements of food rather than that of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy.
| | - Stefano Cabras
- Department of Statistics, Carlos III University of Madrid, C/Madrid, 126, 28903, Getafe, (MA), Spain
| | | | - Laura Casu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy
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Harris CM, Kim DY, Jordan CR, Miranda MI, Hellberg RS. DNA barcoding of herbal supplements on the US commercial market associated with the purported treatment of COVID-19. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2024; 35:664-677. [PMID: 38225696 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increased global use of traditional medicines, including Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Due to their growing demand, their processed nature, and the complexity of the global supply chain, there is an increased risk of adulteration in these products. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess the use of DNA barcoding for species identification in herbal supplements on the US market associated with the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory symptoms. METHODS A total of 54 commercial products containing Ayurvedic herbs were tested with four DNA barcoding regions (i.e., rbcL, matK, ITS2, and mini-ITS2) using two composite samples per product. Nine categories of herbs were targeted: amla, ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, guduchi, tribulus, tulsi, turmeric, and vacha. RESULTS At least one species was identified in 64.8% of products and the expected species was detected in 38.9% of products. Undeclared plant species, including other Ayurvedic herbs, rice, and pepper, were detected in 19 products, and fungal species were identified in 12 products. The presence of undeclared plant species may be a result of intentional substitution or contamination during harvest or processing, while fungal DNA was likely associated with the plant material or the growing environment. The greatest sequencing success (42.6-46.3%) was obtained with the matK and rbcL primers. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that a combination of genetic loci should be used for DNA barcoding of herbal supplements. Due to the limitations of DNA barcoding in identification of these products, future research should incorporate chemical characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calin M Harris
- Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Food Science Program, One University Drive, Orange, California, USA
| | - Diane Y Kim
- Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Food Science Program, One University Drive, Orange, California, USA
| | - Chevon R Jordan
- Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Food Science Program, One University Drive, Orange, California, USA
| | - Miranda I Miranda
- Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Food Science Program, One University Drive, Orange, California, USA
| | - Rosalee S Hellberg
- Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Food Science Program, One University Drive, Orange, California, USA
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Crawford C, Avula B, Lindsey AT, Katragunta K, Khan IA, Deuster PA. Label Accuracy of Weight Loss Dietary Supplements Marketed Online With Military Discounts. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e249131. [PMID: 38691359 PMCID: PMC11063798 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Dietary supplements for weight loss, among the most popular supplement products on the market, are promoted not only for losing weight and shedding fat, but also for added benefits of energy and performance, all packed into 1 capsule with multiple combinations of ingredients. Fraudulent marketing of weight loss supplements, some with exaggerated claims, some that are potentially dangerous, and some that contain illegal ingredients, is ever present, especially through online sources, where multiple manufacturers target service members by offering military discounts. Objectives To examine whether select dietary supplements marketed online for weight loss from companies advertising military discounts are accurately labeled according to the Supplement Facts listed ingredients, whether they contain any ingredients prohibited for use in the military, and to qualitatively describe the products' label claims. Design, Setting, and Participants In this case series, 30 dietary supplement products marketed for weight loss were selected and purchased in June 2023 from 12 online companies advertising military discounts. Data were analyzed from July to August 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to verify whether products were accurately labeled according to the Supplement Facts listed ingredients and whether they contained any substances on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List. A separate analysis was conducted to describe product label claims by using the Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) Risk Assessment Scorecard. Results Of the 30 products tested, analysis showed that 25 had inaccurate labels. Of these, 24 had ingredients listed on the label that were not detected (misbranded); 7 had hidden components not present on the label, some of which would be considered adulterated; and 10 had substances on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List either on or hidden from the label. All products were rated as risky when applying the OPSS Scorecard. Conclusions and Relevance In this case series study, the majority of products had inaccurate labels. Some were misbranded, others would be considered adulterated with ingredients not allowed in dietary supplements, and some contained ingredients prohibited for use in the military.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Crawford
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi
| | - Andrea T. Lindsey
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kumar Katragunta
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi
| | - Ikhlas A. Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi
| | - Patricia A. Deuster
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
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Mădălina-Georgiana B, Imre S, Vari C, Ősz BE, Ștefănescu R, Pușcaș A, Jîtcă G, Matei CM, Tero-Vescan A. Assessing β-Sitosterol Levels in Dietary Supplements for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Implications for Therapeutic Efficacy. Cureus 2024; 16:e60309. [PMID: 38756716 PMCID: PMC11096994 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among aging men that affects their life quality due to urinary symptoms. Current pharmacologic treatments, often lead to sexual dysfunction, so dietary supplements (DS) containing plant-based compounds such as β-sitosterol (SIT) are preferred. DS are highly accessible and widely used, but poorly regulated, so often patients are victims of fraud. The use of DS to treat BPH symptoms is questionable, and this may be due not to the efficacity of the active compound but to the quality of commonly available DS. Aim This study aimed to assess the concentration of SIT in DS available on the market and evaluate whether the concentration of the active compound at the recommended dosage is sufficient to elicit beneficial effects in BPH. Method An HPLC-UV method based on direct saponification and acid hydrolysis was developed for the quantification of free and conjugated SIT in DS. The concentration of SIT in various DS was determined and compared with the one declared on the label. Results The chromatographic analysis confirmed the presence of SIT in all the DS but also showed a considerable variability of SIT content among DS, with only one product meeting the necessary concentration to bring potential benefits in BPH. Conclusion The study highlights inconsistencies in SIT content among DS and the importance of DS containing a standardized extract of SIT. Quality control measures are imperative to ensure that consumers receive effective and safe SIT-based DS to manage BPH symptoms. Further research is needed to establish standardized dosages and to evaluate their long-term efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buț Mădălina-Georgiana
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in English, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Silvia Imre
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Targu Mures, ROU
| | - Camil Vari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Bianca Eugenia Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Ruxandra Ștefănescu
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Amalia Pușcaș
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of the Environmental Factors, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - George Jîtcă
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Camelia-Maria Matei
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Amelia Tero-Vescan
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in English, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
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Mück F, Scotti F, Mauvisseau Q, Thorbek BLG, Wangensteen H, de Boer HJ. Three-tiered authentication of herbal traditional Chinese medicine ingredients used in women's health provides progressive qualitative and quantitative insight. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1353434. [PMID: 38375033 PMCID: PMC10875096 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1353434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal products are increasingly used in Europe, but prevalent authentication methods have significant gaps in detection. In this study, three authentication methods were tested in a tiered approach to improve accuracy on a collection of 51 TCM plant ingredients obtained on the European market. We show the relative performance of conventional barcoding, metabarcoding and standardized chromatographic profiling for TCM ingredients used in one of the most diagnosed disease patterns in women, endometriosis. DNA barcoding using marker ITS2 and chromatographic profiling are methods of choice reported by regulatory authorities and relevant national pharmacopeias. HPTLC was shown to be a valuable authentication tool, combined with metabarcoding, which gives an increased resolution on species diversity, despite dealing with highly processed herbal ingredients. Conventional DNA barcoding as a recommended method was shown to be an insufficient tool for authentication of these samples, while DNA metabarcoding yields an insight into biological contaminants. We conclude that a tiered identification strategy can provide progressive qualitative and quantitative insight in an integrative approach for quality control of processed herbal ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Mück
- Section for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesca Scotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Helle Wangensteen
- Section for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Cordell GA. The contemporary nexus of medicines security and bioprospecting: a future perspective for prioritizing the patient. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38270809 PMCID: PMC10811317 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-024-00431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Reacting to the challenges presented by the evolving nexus of environmental change, defossilization, and diversified natural product bioprospecting is vitally important for advancing global healthcare and placing patient benefit as the most important consideration. This overview emphasizes the importance of natural and synthetic medicines security and proposes areas for global research action to enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of sustainable natural medicines. Following a discussion of some contemporary factors influencing natural products, a rethinking of the paradigms in natural products research is presented in the interwoven contexts of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions and based on the optimization of the valuable assets of Earth. Following COP28, bioprospecting is necessary to seek new classes of bioactive metabolites and enzymes for chemoenzymatic synthesis. Focus is placed on those performance and practice modifications which, in a sustainable manner, establish the patient, and the maintenance of their prophylactic and treatment needs, as the priority. Forty initiatives for natural products in healthcare are offered for the patient and the practitioner promoting global action to address issues of sustainability, environmental change, defossilization, quality control, product consistency, and neglected diseases to assure that quality natural medicinal agents will be accessible for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey A Cordell
- Natural Products Inc., 1320 Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Püski P, Körmöczi T, Berkecz R, Barta A, Bajtel Á, Kiss T. Rapid Detection of Adulteration in Boswellia Extracts with Citric Acid by UPLC-HRMS and 1H NMR. J Diet Suppl 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38165273 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2299886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Boswellia serrata ole-gum-resin extracts (BSEs) are commonly used as food supplements, especially in osteoarthritis management. The quality standard is established by determining 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid (AKBA) content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or assessing the total boswellic acid (TBA) content by titrimetry. The limited geographical distribution of Boswellia species and increasing industrial demand could increase the risk of adulteration in Boswellia-containing products. In this study, 14 BSEs from commercial sources, used in food supplements, were analyzed in comparison with a USP Reference Standard extract. The KBA and AKBA content was determined by HPLC, whereas the TBA content was determined by titration. Targeted UHPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to identify the carboxylic acid content in the samples. The 1H NMR spectra of extracts were also analyzed. Only two products met the criteria for KBA and AKBA content. Although, the TBA content complied with the expected amount, 10 extracts contained citric acid levels of 6-11% even though citric acid is not a cha-racteristic component of BSEs. Our results suggest undeclared addition of citric acid to comply with declared contents of TBA when using titration methods. Incorporation of citric acid to industrial samples - in order to alter the outcomes of the titration analysis - was demonstrated for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Püski
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tímea Körmöczi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anita Barta
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ákos Bajtel
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tivadar Kiss
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Adels K, Elbers G, Diehl B, Monakhova Y. Multicomponent analysis of dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin: comparative low- and high-field NMR spectroscopic study. ANAL SCI 2024; 40:101-113. [PMID: 37819571 PMCID: PMC10766784 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-023-00433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
With the prevalence of glucosamine- and chondroitin-containing dietary supplements for people with osteoarthritis in the marketplace, it is important to have an accurate and reproducible analytical method for the quantitation of these compounds in finished products. NMR spectroscopic method based both on low- (80 MHz) and high- (500-600 MHz) field NMR instrumentation was established, compared and validated for the determination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in dietary supplements. The proposed method was applied for analysis of 20 different dietary supplements. In the majority of cases, quantification results obtained on the low-field NMR spectrometer are similar to those obtained with high-field 500-600 MHz NMR devices. Validation results in terms of accuracy, precision, reproducibility, limit of detection and recovery demonstrated that the developed method is fit for purpose for the marketed products. The NMR method was extended to the analysis of methylsulfonylmethane, adulterant maltodextrin, acetate and inorganic ions. Low-field NMR can be a quicker and cheaper alternative to more expensive high-field NMR measurements for quality control of the investigated dietary supplements. High-field NMR instrumentation can be more favorable for samples with complex composition due to better resolution, simultaneously giving the possibility of analysis of inorganic species such as potassium and chloride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Adels
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mußmann-Straße 1-5, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Gereon Elbers
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mußmann-Straße 1-5, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Bernd Diehl
- Spectral Service AG, Emil-Hoffmann-Straße 33, 50996, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yulia Monakhova
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mußmann-Straße 1-5, 52428, Jülich, Germany.
- Spectral Service AG, Emil-Hoffmann-Straße 33, 50996, Cologne, Germany.
- Institute of Chemistry, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya Street 83, 410012, Saratov, Russia.
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Quiroz-Delfi GO, Rider CV, Ferguson SS, Jarmusch AK, Mueller GA. Non-targeted chemical analysis of consumer botanical products labeled as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), or yohimbe bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe) by NMR and MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:175-189. [PMID: 37910202 PMCID: PMC11185429 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Consumers have unprecedented access to botanical dietary supplements through online retailers, making it difficult to ensure product quality and authenticity. Therefore, methods to survey and compare chemical compositions across botanical products are needed. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and non-targeted mass spectrometry (MS) were used to chemically analyze commercial products labeled as containing one of three botanicals: blue cohosh, goldenseal, and yohimbe bark. Aqueous and organic phase extracts were prepared and analyzed in tandem with NMR followed by MS. We processed the non-targeted data using multivariate statistics to analyze the compositional similarity across extracts. In each case, there were several product outliers that were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Evaluation of select known constituents proved useful to contextualize PCA subgroups, which in some cases supported or refuted product authenticity. The NMR and MS data reached similar conclusions independently but were also complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni O Quiroz-Delfi
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Cynthia V Rider
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Stephen S Ferguson
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Alan K Jarmusch
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Geoffrey A Mueller
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
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10
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Raclariu-Manolică AC, Socaciu C. In Search of Authenticity Biomarkers in Food Supplements Containing Sea Buckthorn: A Metabolomics Approach. Foods 2023; 12:4493. [PMID: 38137297 PMCID: PMC10742966 DOI: 10.3390/foods12244493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) (SB) is increasingly consumed worldwide as a food and food supplement. The remarkable richness in biologically active phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, vitamins) is responsible for its purported nutritional and health-promoting effects. Despite the considerable interest and high market demand for SB-based supplements, a limited number of studies report on the authentication of such commercially available products. Herein, untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS) were able to compare the phytochemical fingerprint of leaves, berries, and various categories of SB-berry herbal supplements (teas, capsules, tablets, liquids). By untargeted metabolomics, a multivariate discrimination analysis and a univariate approach (t-test and ANOVA) showed some putative authentication biomarkers for berries, e.g., xylitol, violaxanthin, tryptophan, quinic acid, quercetin-3-rutinoside. Significant dominant molecules were found for leaves: luteolin-5-glucoside, arginine, isorhamnetin 3-rutinoside, serotonin, and tocopherol. The univariate analysis showed discriminations between the different classes of food supplements using similar algorithms. Finally, eight molecules were selected and considered significant putative authentication biomarkers. Further studies will be focused on quantitative evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuța Cristina Raclariu-Manolică
- Stejarul Research Centre for Biological Sciences, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 610004 Piatra Neamț, Romania;
| | - Carmen Socaciu
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- BIODIATECH—Research Center for Applied Biotechnology in Diagnosis and Molecular Therapy, 400478 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Oliveira M, Azevedo L, Ballard D, Branicki W, Amorim A. Using plants in forensics: State-of-the-art and prospects. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 336:111860. [PMID: 37683985 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plant evidence in forensic investigations gave rise to a powerful new discipline - Forensic Botany - that analyses micro- or macroscopic plant materials, such as the totality or fragments of an organ (i.e., leaves, stems, seeds, fruits, roots) and tissue (i.e., pollen grains, spores, fibers, cork) or its chemical composition (i. e., secondary metabolites, isotopes, DNA, starch grains). Forensic botanists frequently use microscopy, chemical analysis, and botanical expertise to identify and interpret evidence crucial to solving civil and criminal issues, collaborating in enforcing laws or regulations, and ensuring public health safeguards. The present work comprehensively examines the current state and future potential of Forensic Botany. The first section conveys the critical steps of plant evidence collection, documentation, and preservation, emphasizing the importance of these initial steps in maintaining the integrity of the items. It explores the different molecular analyses, covering the identification of plant species and varieties or cultivars, and discusses the limitations and challenges of these techniques in forensics. The subsequent section covers the diversity of Forensic Botany approaches, examining how plant evidence exposes food and pharmaceutical frauds, uncovers insufficient or erroneous labeling, traces illegal drug trafficking routes, and combats the illegal collection or trade of protected species and derivatives. National and global security issues, including the implications of biological warfare, bioterrorism, and biocrime are addressed, and a review of the contributions of plant evidence in crime scene investigations is provided, synthesizing a comprehensive overview of the diverse facets of Forensic Botany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Azevedo
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - David Ballard
- King's Forensics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
| | - Antonio Amorim
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Yang Z, Lo YT, Quan Z, He J, Chen Y, Faller A, Chua T, Wu HY, Zhang Y, Zou Q, Li F, Chang P, Swanson G, Shaw PC, Lu Z. Application of a modified tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay for rapid Panax species identity authentication in ginseng products. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14396. [PMID: 37658082 PMCID: PMC10474259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39940-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Panax ginseng products can be adulterated with materials from other Panax species. The purpose of this study is to provide a rapid P. ginseng authentication method for simultaneous identification of P. ginseng and detection of adulteration in ginseng products at different processing stages. First, a tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay was designed based on a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the trnL-trnF region and was tested at 28 PCR cycles with DNA extracted from Botanical Reference Materials (BRMs). Next, 5' end random nucleotide and 3' terminus phosphorothioates linkage modifications were incorporated into the inner primers to improve sensitivity and specificity at 40 PCR cycles. Finally, the modified assay was validated using characterized market ginseng materials and the detection limit was determined. The modified tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay can achieve the desired sensitivity and specificity using one set of reaction conditions in ginseng materials at different stages. In validation, it was able to correctly identify target species P. ginseng and differentiate it from closely related species. This study suggests that the modified tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay can be used for the rapid, species identity authentication of P. ginseng material in ginseng products. This assay can be used to complement chemical analytical methods in quality control, so both species identity and processing attributes of ginseng products can be efficiently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxiu Yang
- Quality Control Laboratory, Herbalife NatSource (Hunan) Natural Products Co., Changsha, 410100, China
| | - Yat Tung Lo
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants (CUHK) and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Zheng Quan
- Corporate Center of Excellence Quality Laboratory, Herbalife International of America, Inc., 950 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Junchen He
- Quality Control Laboratory, Herbalife NatSource (Hunan) Natural Products Co., Changsha, 410100, China
| | - Yanjun Chen
- Quality Control Laboratory, Herbalife NatSource (Hunan) Natural Products Co., Changsha, 410100, China
| | - Adam Faller
- Corporate Center of Excellence Quality Laboratory, Herbalife International of America, Inc., 950 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Tiffany Chua
- Herbalife International of America, Inc., Corporate Quality, 990 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Hoi Yan Wu
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants (CUHK) and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Herbalife International of America, Inc., Corporate Quality, 990 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Qiang Zou
- Quality Control Laboratory, Herbalife NatSource (Hunan) Natural Products Co., Changsha, 410100, China
| | - Fan Li
- Quality Control Laboratory, Herbalife NatSource (Hunan) Natural Products Co., Changsha, 410100, China
| | - Peter Chang
- Herbalife International of America, Inc., Corporate Quality, 990 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Gary Swanson
- Herbalife International of America, Inc., Corporate Quality, 990 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Pang Chui Shaw
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants (CUHK) and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhengfei Lu
- Corporate Center of Excellence Quality Laboratory, Herbalife International of America, Inc., 950 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA.
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Raclariu-Manolică AC, Mauvisseau Q, de Boer HJ. Horizon scan of DNA-based methods for quality control and monitoring of herbal preparations. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1179099. [PMID: 37214460 PMCID: PMC10193163 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1179099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines and preparations are widely used in healthcare systems globally, but concerns remain about their quality and safety. New herbal products are constantly being introduced to the market under varying regulatory frameworks, with no global consensus on their definition or characterization. These biologically active mixtures are sold through complex globalized value chains, which create concerns around contamination and profit-driven adulteration. Industry, academia, and regulatory bodies must collaborate to develop innovative strategies for the identification and authentication of botanicals and their preparations to ensure quality control. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has significantly improved our understanding of the total species diversity within DNA mixtures. The standard concept of DNA barcoding has evolved over the last two decades to encompass genomic data more broadly. Recent research in DNA metabarcoding has focused on developing methods for quantifying herbal product ingredients, yielding meaningful results in a regulatory framework. Techniques, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), DNA barcode-based Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (BAR-RPA), DNA barcoding coupled with High-Resolution Melting (Bar-HRM), and microfluidics-based methods, offer more affordable tests for the detection of target species. While target capture sequencing and genome skimming are considerably increasing the species identification resolution in challenging plant clades, ddPCR enables the quantification of DNA in samples and could be used to detect intended and unwanted ingredients in herbal medicines. Here, we explore the latest advances in emerging DNA-based technologies and the opportunities they provide as taxa detection tools for evaluating the safety and quality of dietary supplements and herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuța Cristina Raclariu-Manolică
- Stejarul Research Centre for Biological Sciences, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Piatra Neamț, Romania
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Osman AG, Avula B, Katragunta K, Ali Z, Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA. Elderberry Extracts: Characterization of the Polyphenolic Chemical Composition, Quality Consistency, Safety, Adulteration, and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress- and Inflammation-Induced Health Disorders. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073148. [PMID: 37049909 PMCID: PMC10096080 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elderberry is highly reputed for its health-improving effects. Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that the consumption of berries is linked to enhancing human health and preventing or delaying the onset of chronic medical conditions. Compared with other fruit, elderberry is a very rich source of anthocyanins (approximately 80% of the polyphenol content). These polyphenols are the principals that essentially contribute to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities and the health benefits of elderberry fruit extract. These health effects include attenuation of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders, as well as anti-diabetic, anticancer, antiviral, and immuno-stimulatory effects. Sales of elderberry supplements skyrocketed to $320 million over the year 2020, according to an American Botanical Council (ABC) report, which is attributable to the purported immune-enhancing effects of elderberry. In the current review, the chemical composition of the polyphenolic content of the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), as well as the analytical techniques employed to analyze, characterize, and ascertain the chemical consistency will be addressed. Further, the factors that influence the consistency of the polyphenolic chemical composition, and hence, the consistency of the health benefits of elderberry extracts will be presented. Additionally, adulteration and safety as factors contributing to consistency will be covered. The role of elderberry in enhancing human health alone with the pharmacological basis, the cellular pathways, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed health benefits of elderberry fruit extracts will be also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed G. Osman
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Kumar Katragunta
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Amar G. Chittiboyina
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Ikhlas A. Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
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Raclariu-Manolică AC, Socaciu C. Detecting and Profiling of Milk Thistle Metabolites in Food Supplements: A Safety-Oriented Approach by Advanced Analytics. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030440. [PMID: 36984880 PMCID: PMC10052194 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is among the top-selling botanicals used as a supportive treatment for liver diseases. Silymarin, a mixture of unique flavonolignan metabolites, is the main bioactive component of milk thistle. The biological activities of silymarin have been well described in the literature, and its use is considered safe and well-tolerated in appropriate doses. However, commercial preparations do not always contain the recommended concentrations of silymarin, failing to provide the expected therapeutic effect. While the poor quality of raw material may explain the low concentrations of silymarin, its deliberate removal is suspected to be an adulteration. Toxic contaminants and foreign matters were also detected in milk thistle preparations, raising serious health concerns. Standard methods for determination of silymarin components include thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with various detectors, but nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) have also been applied. This review surveys the extraction techniques of main milk thistle metabolites and the quality, efficacy, and safety of the derived food supplements. Advanced analytical authentication approaches are discussed with a focus on DNA barcoding and metabarcoding to complement orthogonal chemical characterization and fingerprinting of herbal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuța Cristina Raclariu-Manolică
- Stejarul Research Centre for Biological Sciences, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 610004 Piatra Neamț, Romania
| | - Carmen Socaciu
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- BIODIATECH-Research Center for Applied Biotechnology in Diagnosis and Molecular Therapy, 400478 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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