Accurate detection of unique herbs is crucial for herbal medicine preparation. Zingiberaceae species, which are important in Ayurvedic medicine of India, are often misidentified in Northeast (NE) Indian herbal markets. New food trends, or growing interest into alternative medicine such as Ayurveda challenge consumer protection and quality control. It is often very difficult to validate or authenticate these products. However, consumers need to be sure that the declaration of a product matches its content.

Case Study
Zingiberaceae

Is really inside, what is declared?

We use a combination of genetic barcoding (authentication by means of genetic markers) and classical authentication (microscopical analysis, TLC). Approach is to discriminate adulterant species from active species and in the process we use therefore an extensive collection of well characterized and verified reference plants.

Our methods revealed that Kaempferia species important in Ayurveda can be discriminated effectively from its adulterants and ensure high quality Ayurvedic medicine.