AHPA Takes on Bilberry Adulteration

SILVER SPRING, Md.The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is providing analytical tools and methods to identify adulteration of powdered raw materials labeled as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract. One method is a fairly simple procedure of raising the pH of dilute bilberry extract; the resulting color change from red to blue indicates the presence of anthocyanins. The other method utilizes high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to provide a visual image that separates anthocyanins from amaranth dye (red dye no. 2), which has been discovered as an adulterant in some powdered material labeled as bilberry extract.

According to Steven Dentali, Ph.D., AHPAs vice president for scientific and technical affairs, the association identified a number of known adulterants in different botanicals, and is working to help provide tools to help industry authenticate ingredient quality. In addition to bilberry, AHPA recently provided analytical methods for Hoodia gordonii and is working on others. AHPA believes identifying ingredient quality issues and illustrating solutions is a productive approach to raise industry awareness of specific issues, he added. Many AHPA member laboratory companies provide services to investigate ingredient quality issues and can employing these methods and tools to test specific materials for identity and purity. We felt it was appropriate to provide a home for these known issues and will continue to develop this initiative.

AHPA developed the bilberry protocol by drawing upon the expertise of its staff and member companies; for bilberry, MediHerb assisted with for the technical work; and CAMAG Scientific Inc. provided the HPTLC method.