Herbal and botanical supplements face the most complex contamination profile in the supplement industry — pesticide residues from cultivation, heavy metals from soil, mycotoxins from moisture, and botanical identity fraud are all documented problems. Third-party testing with a full COA protects your brand, satisfies retailer requirements, and demonstrates cGMP compliance.
The global herbal ingredient supply chain — from South Asia, China, and South America — introduces contamination risks that domestic manufacturing controls cannot fully mitigate. Independent testing at each lot is the only reliable safeguard.
Turmeric, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and many other popular herbs are commonly grown with pesticides not permitted in US products. Multi-residue LC/MS/MS screening is essential.
Soil metal uptake is herb-specific and highly variable. Ashwagandha, spirulina, and chlorella frequently carry elevated lead and cadmium from Indian and Chinese agricultural sources.
Dried botanicals stored in warm, humid conditions develop aflatoxin and ochratoxin A rapidly. Mycotoxin screening is required for EU export and increasingly for US retail.
Species substitution and adulteration are documented in ginkgo biloba, echinacea, valerian, and many other popular herbs. DNA barcoding and microscopy confirm species identity.
Herbal extracts standardized to marker compounds (e.g., curcuminoids, ginsenosides, bacosides) require quantitative HPLC analysis to verify the extract specification.
NSF Certified for Sport and major natural retailers require full botanical testing COA. We format deliverables to satisfy all major retailer and certification program requirements.
Comprehensive herbal testing:
Submitting takes less than 5 minutes. Most projects turn around in 5–10 business days from sample receipt.
Send a brief project description — sample type, quantity, and timeline. We confirm turnaround and quote within one business day.
We'll send a submission form and our San Diego shipping address. Most samples ship ambient or cold depending on stability requirements.
Results are delivered as a signed PDF COA within the agreed turnaround. Rush service (2–3 business days) is available for urgent timelines.
Send us your samples and receive an ISO 17025 accreditation pending Certificate of Analysis. Results in 5–10 business days.