Abstract:
The escalating popularity of herbal products in recent years has given rise to concerns about their quality and safety. The diverse origins of these products, rooted in local and traditional practices, pose challenges in defining and characterizing them, leading to varying regulatory frameworks and an influx of new dietary supplements and herbal medicines. This review explores the significance of DNA authentication methods, including species-specific PCR, DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and digital PCR, in addressing the complexities of herbal product quality and safety. These techniques offer diverse applications, from rapid species identification to detecting trace contamination and quantifying adulterants. The review emphasizes the need for collaboration between regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and scientific communities to standardize and implement DNA-based authentication methods, establishing a new paradigm for ensuring authenticity and safety throughout the herbal product supply chain. The comprehensive examination of these DNA-based methods provides valuable insights into their role in safeguarding against contamination and adulteration while promoting sustainable sourcing practices in the herbal products industry
