2011 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 third year of a 5-year interagency agreement with the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. In FY 2011, we continued using spectral fingerprinting and pattern recognition programs to compare the chemical composition of species of ginseng, black cohosh, ginkgo biloba, and scutellaria. We examined the pattern information available from infrared (IR), near-infrared (NIR), UV absorbance (UV), and mass spectrometry (MS). We determined that NIR and UV provide the most stable spectra, but MS offers the possibility of identifying specific compounds. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) provided $150,000 in FY2010 towards the purchase of a high resolution mass spectrometry which provide core support for current and future analytical projects. We have begun a project to acquire representative spectra for specific botanicals and to characterize the natural variance of the spectra arising from growing year, growing site, and processing. We have demonstrated that fractions of the representative spectra can be mathematically summed and the level of adulteration predicted. We are in the process of experimentally verifying the model predictions. This agreement was monitored through routine conversations and e-mails with the Office of Dietary Supplements.