LeafWorks Expands Botanical Species ID Testing to Cover the Top 75 Herbs and Fungi for Natural Products and Foods

August 14, 2025 at 10:42 AM EDT

New DNA-Based Tests Provide Both Targeted and Comprehensive Identification, Elevating Quality Standards Across the Supply Chain

LeafWorks, a trailblazing botanical genomics and testing company for natural products, today announced the expansion of its DNA-based species identification services to include the most widely used herbs and fungi in natural products and foods, and their common adulterants.

In an industry where DNA testing options are lacking yet identification problems persist, this is a significant leap forward in botanical identification capabilities.

The new DNA testing options give product manufacturers and sourcing managers an accurate, scalable way to confirm botanical identity—whether validating a single species or identifying multiple plant and fungal components in complex formulations.

The expanded Botanical ID Testing service now offers two formats of species identification:

LeafWorks® Botanical DNA ID Tests—Confirms whether a sample contains a specific species, answering the question, “Is this the species I think it is?”
LeafWorks® Adulteration DNA ID Testing—Detects common adulterants or substitutions used in natural products which can escape visual or chemistry-based detection. These are also species commonly used in many food products such as peanut, rice and wheat.

These tests focus on providing reliable and robust ID testing options for the top 75 herbs and fungi in natural products, as well as common and product-specific adulterants, to solve a comprehensive scope of identification needs.

Validated against a global genomic library with thousands of authenticated Botanical Reference and Certified Reference Materials—including common lookalikes, closely related sister species and adulterants—these sequencing-based tests meet 21 CFR Part 111 requirements for third-party identity verification and support full supply chain traceability.

Adulteration is common in the global botanical trade, whether intentional or a byproduct of complex supply chains, such as mistaken identity. LeafWorks’ DNA-based testing helps manufacturers safeguard product integrity, make informed sourcing decisions, ensure label accuracy, reduce regulatory risk, and maintain compliance.

“The natural products industry has long faced significant gaps in robust identification testing for challenging herbs and complex formulations. Our genetic approach fills those gaps,” said Kerin Law, Ph.D., LeafWorks’ Chief Scientific Officer. “DNA cannot be masked or changed. If it’s present, even at trace levels, we will find it and accurately identify it using our industry-leading genomic database that took years to build with thousands of reference materials. Our clients need reliable answers, and this testing delivers exactly that.”

Unlike other methods such as microscopy or macroscopy—which struggle to identify ingredients in highly processed or derived materials—or chemistry-based tests, which can miss ingredients with overlapping profiles or masked compounds, DNA analysis targets the underlying genetic code itself.

As a stable, discrete material, DNA remains unaffected by cultivation conditions or the bringing together of multiple ingredients.

Challenges in current identification methods are especially acute for blended products with multiple species where misidentification risk is higher — yet this is where DNA testing excels.

“DNA is built for testing identity. Development of orthogonal DNA-based identification methods that look at entire genomes and move beyond problematic barcodes or marker types will add a depth of certainty currently lacking in many species,” said LeafWorks CEO Eleanor Kuntz, Ph.D.

LeafWorks’ advantage goes beyond its industry-leading DNA database. By focusing on areas of the genome that are unique to each species, the company ensures the highest accuracy. Its substantial investment in a proprietary database and advanced bioinformatics pipeline enables rapid identification of these species-specific markers across thousands of samples at once, delivering unmatched precision in species identification.

By integrating genomic science into routine quality control workflows, LeafWorks provides manufacturers with actionable data that supports both regulatory compliance and consumer trust. These tests help quality-assurance and quality-control teams verify ingredient identity, guide product development, assess purity, and give sourcing managers the confidence to purchase large global shipments knowing they have the correct material.

“Having reliable testing options is critical for satisfying label requirements such as 21 CFR 111, and designing a robust test takes careful genomic R&D,” added Laura Klein, Ph.D., Director of Herbal Research. “We’re proud to expand our testing to cover the top herbs and fungi used across the natural products industry, backed by rigorous methodology.”

LeafWorks’ Botanical ID Testing is immediately available to customers in the dietary supplements, herbal medicine, foods, cosmetics, and natural products across a diverse array of product types. For more information or to inquire about testing, visit leafworks.com or contact info@leafworks.com.

About LeafWorks

LeafWorks Inc. is a botanical genomics company conducting cutting-edge research and developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products. Co-founded by CEO Eleanor Kuntz, Ph.D., and CSO Kerin Law, Ph.D., the company combines scientific rigor with uncompromising ethics, specializing in DNA identification—from species ID down to trait detection—to protect and empower business operators. The company provides the necessary testing and services that help cultivators preserve their genetic IP, improve efficiency and ultimately evolve their operations. Learn more about LeafWorks Inc. at leafworks.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.