Alkemist Labs Releases List of Herbs and Fungi With Widespread Quality Challenges

Alkemist Labs, a third-party analytical lab specializing in botanical and fungal ingredients, released a list of the botanicals and fungi that most frequently failed identity testing in 2025 so far.

All samples were tested using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess identity and quality of botanicals and various ingredients. Alkemist holds a flexible scope ISO 17025 accreditation for HPTLC, which is able to detect adulterants and contamination, such as incorrect plant parts, closely related species, and unknowns. The technique is suitable for crude raw botanicals in both powdered and whole form, as well as powder or liquid extracts and finished products and blends.

The list is representative of the products Alkemist’s manufacturer clients are testing before they are put into products, as well as some finished products. It includes:

• Berberis aristata/ Berberis asiatica (Indian barberry)
• Camellia sinensis (tea)
• Ganoderma lucidum (reishi)
• Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane)
• Matricaria recutita (chamomile)
• Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)
• Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)
• Paullinia cupana (guarana)
• Rhodiola rosea
• Serenoa repens (saw palmetto)
• Siraitia grosvenorii (monk fruit)
• Sophora japonica (Japanese sophora)
• Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia)
• Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)
• Triticum aestivum (wheat)
• Ulmus rubra/Ulmus fulva (slippery elm)
• Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)
• Valeriana officinalis (Valierian)
• Vitis vinifera (grape)
• Withania somnifera (ashwagandha)