2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) ARS is interested in developing spectral fingerprinting methods for characterization and authentication of botanical dietary supplements. The Cooperator is interested in developing analytical methods for botanical materials. It has agreed to fund a 5-year proposal (FY2009-FY2013) submitted by FCMDL entitled “Development of spectral fingerprinting methods for rapid characterization and authentication of botanical dietary supplements”. This is the second year of the interagency grant. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) FCMDL will develop methods for identification of Panax quinquefolium and Scutellaria lateriflora and characterization of authentic green tea, turmeric, cranberries, and opuntia (prickly cactus). Emphasis will continue to given to determining the efficacy of UV for identity methods. FCMDL will examine the many processed forms of P. ginseng. FCMDL will develop retention alignment programs that will allow application of pattern recognition to liquid chromatographic profiles in collaboration with the Ohio University (Athens,OH). 3.Progress Report This is the second year of a 5 year interagency agreement with the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. In 2010, we used spectral fingerprinting and pattern recognition programs to examine 3 species of ginseng roots (Panax ginseng aka “Chinese” ginseng, P. quinquefolius aka “American” ginseng, and P. notoginseng). More than 50 samples of the 3 species were obtained from the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and several commercial sources (some authentic roots came directly from China). Mass spectrometry (MS) fingerprints acquired by direct analysis (root extracts with no chromatographic separation) readily identified the 3 species and the “red” and “white” preparations of the Chinese ginseng. Similar discrimination between species and preparations were obtained using UV absorption spectrophotometry and near infrared spectrometry. The latter method could discriminate between American ginseng grown in Wisconsin, Canada, and China. A follow-up study with 40 American ginseng roots from Wisconsin and China showed that MS could also discriminate between growing locations. Samples were analyzed by collaborating labs: Flora Research Lab (Grants Pass, OR) (1235-52000-060-06S) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (Vancouver, Canada) (1235-52000-060-07S). This data will serve as the basis for a Single Laboratory Validated Method that will be submitted to AOAC International for certification as an official analytical method. This agreement was monitored through routine conversations and e-mails with the Office of Dietary Supplements.