An Australian-led group of scientists believe they may have found a way to identify toxic Chinese medicine and those containing traces of endangered species.
DNA analysis can successfully identify the illegal or unsafe ingredients, according to new research conducted on medicines confiscated from overseas travellers.
"We can use the latest DNA technology to investigate what's in these medicines and do a comprehensive genetic audit," says Dr Mike Bunce, molecular biologist at Murdoch University WA and team leader of the study published in the Public Library of Science's Genetics journal.
Traditional medicine has been practised in China for more than 3,000 years and has become increasingly popular in Australia in recent decades.
The scientists assessed 15 samples of traditional Chinese medicines seized by Australian customs officials and extracted DNA from the tablets, powders and herbal teas.
They then used a technique called second generation DNA sequencing to identify the plant and animal species they contained.
Their study identified the presence of vulnerable and endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear and the Saiga antelope.
The trade of these species is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
The analysis also revealed issues with misleading and poor labelling.
One product contained a plant called Ephedra, considered toxic if taken in too high a dosage, which did not list a recommended dosage on the label.
Potential allergens such as nuts were also identified but not listed in the ingredients.
Dr Bunce says it is possible these products also contained beneficial therapeutic agents but says he thinks there should be higher manufacturing and labelling standards
He also believes the use of new molecular approaches could help to regulate the industry.
"Second generation DNA sequencing is a cost-effective method to investigate honesty in food labelling and combat illegal trade in animals and plants," Dr Bunce said.
But Professor Chun Guang Li, a pharmacologist in the Discipline for Chinese Medicine at RMIT University, Melbourne says it is important to monitor the quality of these health products.
He thinks there is some uncertainty associated with the DNA sequencing used in this study and further tests may be required to correctly identify ingredients at a species level.
"A combination of genetic and chemical profiles may be a future direction for analysis of these products," he said.