The new Lab Guidance Document from the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program evaluates 67 different methods that have been used to analyze St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) raw material and products. The document provides guidance for industry, academic, and regulatory analytical laboratories to be able to accurately and adequately test for identity and authenticity and detect potential adulteration of St John’s wort raw materials and extracts.
Stefan Gafner, PhD, chief science officer of the American Botanical Council and technical director of BAPP, said that with all of the attention focused on immunity ingredients during the pandemic, other ingredients have flown a bit under the radar. But with the major indication of St. John’s wort being to help users deal with symptoms of mild depression he said it stands to reason that more consumers would be interested in the herb during this unusually stressful time. And with more demand always comes more opportunity for cheaters.
“I don’t have that data, but I wouldn’t be surprised if adulteration of St. John’s wort would be on the rise,” Gafner told NutraIngredients-USA.
Human clinical trials on standardized extracts of St. John’s wort, and meta-analyses of these trials, support the safety and efficacy of the preparations for mood support.
Rising demand
There is at least some data to show that interest in the botanical is rising. In 2020, St. John’s wort dietary supplements were the 21st top-selling supplement in mainstream US retail stores, with annual mainstream sales totaling roughly $23.9 million, according to ABC’s annual Herb Market Report.