NOW Integrates DNA Sequencing into Identity Testing Work with LeafWorks Platform

Natural products leader NOW has advanced its botanical identity testing program through a partnership with LeafWorks, a botanical genomics company developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products.

By integrating next-generation DNA sequencing into its identity testing workflow, NOW is expanding its ability to verify botanical ingredients across formulations while maintaining the rigorous standards that define its quality program.

The partnership brings LeafWorks’ purpose-built DNA Analysis Platform into NOW’s workflow, enabling high-throughput genomic interpretation through a curated reference database and validated analytical systems designed specifically for complex botanical products.

“We are always looking for ways to strengthen our quality systems and ensure the integrity of our products,” said Maria Mendres, microbiology manager at NOW. “Incorporating next-generation DNA sequencing for genomic-level ID adds another valuable tool to our testing program, enhancing our ability to verify botanical identity. The number of species we can test for simultaneously is unique to DNA and LeafWorks’ platform, making it a good fit for NOW with over 2,000 ingredients.”

DNA Sequencing and Botanical Identity Testing

As part of this collaboration, NOW has implemented a next-generation sequencing lab at its facility in Sparks, NV, to support its company-wide testing efforts. The company applies its sequencing output to LeafWorks’ DNA analysis platform for accurate species validation at scale.

This model allows partners to access high-powered genomic analysis without building the underlying bioinformatics infrastructure themselves. Leveraging LeafWorks’ curated reference database and analytical systems, NOW shares digital sequence data generated in-house for analysis, receiving detailed Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that support consistent, high-confidence identity verification across a wide range of product types.

“What’s exciting about this model is that it lowers the barrier to adopting advanced DNA testing,” said Kerin Law, co-founder and chief scientific officer of LeafWorks. “Companies can generate sequencing data in-house and plug directly into our analysis platform without needing to build complex bioinformatics systems themselves. This unique combination of accessibility and rigor is an entirely new model of testing to move the industry forward. We are thrilled to be partnering with NOW, true industry leaders in natural products, in this brand-new testing model.”

Built for Real-World Botanical Products

DNA testing has been used in the natural products industry for more than a decade, but historical approaches—particularly those based on universal DNA barcoding and earlier methods—were never built for commercial application, having relied on uncurated databases, markers and techniques that have often struggled to deliver consistent, species-level identification in processed products.

LeafWorks’ third-generation platform was built specifically to address these limitations, using species-targeted genomic methods, authenticated reference materials and purpose-built analytical systems designed for commercial botanicals.

“For years, the industry has had access to DNA tools that weren’t designed for the realities of commercial products,” said Law. “We built our platform specifically for those challenges to deliver consistent, high-confidence results across complex formulations.”