As part of the inter-laboratory collaborative study, blind samples consisting of authenticated and adulterated goldenseal plant material, extracts and finished products were analyzed by participating laboratories in Western Canada. The samples were examined for alkaloids via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to distinguish goldenseal from its common adulterants.

The research group says it is developing analytical methods to determine the integrity of natural health products sold for consumption in Canada. It is now recruiting participating laboratories for the second round of the Program.

Goldenseal is an indigenous North American plant, the root of which has been used as a natural antibiotic, popular for colds and flus, as well as for gastric conditions.

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) says it validated the HPLC methodology and it is suitable for distinguishing goldenseal.

Panax quniquefolius has been selected by the program for its second round of testing.

Methodology has been selected by an international expert review panel and validation is being conducted by BCIT in collaboration with AOAC International.

The Institute listed the following labs as having met the acceptance criteria for its project and therefore having demonstrated proficiency in testing for alkaloids in goldenseal:

Canadian Phytopharmaceutical Corporation, Richmond, BC

Cantest Ltd, Burnaby, BC

Envirotest Labs, Edmonton, AB

Labs-Mart Inc., Edmonton, AB

Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Coquitlam, BC

Natural Factors R & D, Burnaby, BC

SGS Canada Inc., Vancouver, BC