Due to the morphological similarities of aerial parts, it is difficult to distinguish Gynostemma pentaphyllum from Cayratia japonica, which is usually an adulterant of the former. To develop a reliable method for the identification and authentication of G. pentaphyllum, a combination of random amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique with sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) mar...

BACKGROUND An efficient method for the identification of medicinal plant products is now a priority as the global demand increases. This study aims to develop a DNA-based method for the identification and authentication of plant species that can be implemented in the industry to aid compliance with regulations, based upon the economically important Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's Wort or Gua...

Background and objectives: Attenuated total reflectance-inferared (ATR-IR) spectra can be used as a non-invasive fingerprinting approach in quality control of herbal samples. Methods: Twenty versatile herbal samples were subjected to attenuated total reflectance-inferared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy followed by different clustering methods in order to determine by which method more reasonable classif...

Surma is a traditional eye cosmetic and eye-cure of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. It is made from antimony suiphide and may contain lead as an accidental impurity remaining in antimony suiphide or as an intentional adulterant. Ingestion of lead through constant use of surma can pose a serious health hazard. This study is an attempt to assess the lead content of surma in forty separate samples...

In July last, our attention to this matter was first drawn by Dr. Satya Saran Mitra, of Howrah, who reported a few cases of illness showing symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation accompanied by giddiness and a sense of general weakness and faintness, which came under his observation in Howrah and Sibpur. He suspected mustard oil with some new adulterant, used as food, to be the cause of this ...

Melamine is an adulterant commonly found in milk, as it can increase the nitrogen content. Therefore, its apparent protein content, resulting in a better market price. Melamine adulteration can be fatal, as was highlighted in 2008 when six infants died due to melamine adulteration in milk powder and thousands were sickened in China. Consequently, there have been stricter regulations globally an...