Herbal ingredients must be authenticated by correct identification of their botanical source referred by their Latin binomial. Different batches of herbal materials may still be subject to inter-and intra-species variation. Other related information required are synonyms, vernacular names, parts of the plant used for each preparation and detailed instructions for agricultural production and collection conditions as per the country’s GAP.

Sampling

Accurate identification of herbal material by macroscopic and microscopic examination by comparison with authentic material or descriptions of authentic herbs is the first important step. Prior to such an evaluation, a sample is to be drawn for analysis. Reliability of any conclusions drawn from the analysis will depend upon how well the sample represents the whole batch. For sampling material in bulk 10% of the packaging units need to be sampled if they are more than 50 in number. For 6–50 units, sample from 5 and for less than 5 units, all units need to be sampled. All damaged units are to be individually sampled. From each container three samples from the top, middle and bottom respectively are to be taken. Seed samples are to be taken with a grain probe. The pooled samples are to be adequately mixed and one-fourth of them are taken. The process is repeated as necessary till the required quantity prescribed for the particular plant part is reached, for example 100–200 g for flowers and up to 10 kg for certain roots.

For material in retail packages from boxes and cartons selected for sampling, randomly selected two consumer packages are to be taken. For small batches of wholesale containers, 10 consumer packages are to be taken. The samples are then pooled and sorted by the same quartering procedure described above to get the final sample. The selected samples are then subjected to further testing.