You may have noticed more people are becoming interested in traditional herbal therapies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. I know I have. This is something my father was keenly aware of 100 years ago when he worked and lived in China. In fact, some marketers call it a “mega-trend,” and it has a global reach.

The holistic approach of traditional medicine is all about bringing the body, mind and spirit into balance with nature. Acupuncture, massage, exercise, diet and the like contribute, but the evidence is clear: It’s therapeutic herbs like goji berry, chrysanthemum and others that are capturing the attention of today’s consumer.

In the United States, the herbal supplements segment is expected to grow by 5 percent over the five-year period of 2018-2023. In China, where TCM therapies are weaved into the fabric of national health policies, sales growth is expected to grow at a similar pace, about 6 percent over the same time period. In country after country, the projected growth rate is either on par or better than that for the entire vitamin category.

Taking TCM products to the next level

As more and more people look to herbal products to meet their personal healthcare needs, more are concerned about product safety. Consumers want to know a product is safe, authentic and effective, but they also need to be confident that a product contains the herb they think they are buying. It’s a big deal, especially for a TCM supplement that a consumer relies on for therapeutic benefits.

For this reason, our scientists are working hard to take TCM products to the next level by combining ancient wisdom with modern science, including a new diagnostic test called DNA barcoding. It’s a scientific breakthrough so big that some scientists say it is as important as the human genome project.¹ In simple terms, DNA barcoding uses a plant’s genetic makeup to confirm its identify.

Here are three reasons why you’ll want to know about DNA barcoding and why it matters for TCM products that bear the Nutrilite® name:

1. DNA barcoding delivers reliable results

It’s hard to dispute the consistency and reliability of DNA barcoding. That’s because the technique relies on the one thing that is unique to every living thing: DNA. It’s the unique genetic fingerprint for every living organism, whether it’s a plant, bacteria, animal or a human being.

2. DNA barcoding is accurate

DNA barcoding doesn’t rely on a scientist’s opinion to identify a plant species. Typically, scientists rely on morphology – the form and structure of a plant – to determine it identity. These methods primarily depend on skill and expertise. If plants look too much alike, it can be a challenge to identify a plant with a reasonable degree of accuracy by morphological features alone.

DNA barcoding combined with other techniques such as phytochemical fingerprinting ensures we have the right plant — and the right plant part — to provide the health benefits that we are looking for.

3. DNA barcoding works for TCM herbs

DNA barcoding works for TCM herbs, regardless of a plant’s age, growing conditions or plant part. A Goji seedling and mature plant ready for harvest would both have the same DNA barcode, regardless of where grown. Likewise, the flower, stem and root of a Chrysanthemum plant would all have the same DNA barcode. By using a genetic fingerprint, DNA barcoding is one of the most effective ways to ensure the identity of a raw herbal material destined for a Nutrilite® TCM product.

DNA barcoding technology is great on its own, but when combined with phytochemical fingerprinting, it’s especially powerful. Add our manufacturing excellence, farm-to-supplement traceability story and our Best of Nature, Best of Science philosophy, and you have the perfect formula for safe, authentic and effective TCM products that can earn the trust of today’s consumers.

We have recognized the value of therapeutic herbs from the start. It’s part of the rich history behind the Nutrilite® brand that dates back to my father’s time in China over a 100 years ago when he first observed the health-promoting properties of plants. Since then, we’ve built on my father’s work with strong science and leading-edge technology, like barcoding.

I, for one, am eager to see the launch of TCM products made even better with this Nutrilite® twist.

Stay tuned!

 

 

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(1) Han J, Pang X, Liao B, et al. An authenticity survey of herbal medicines from markets in China using DNA barcoding. Sci Rep.  2016;6:18723.  PMID: 26740340.