BGG World has received a Japanese patent for developing a method of identification for Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens). The new method overcomes adulteration currently found in the marketplace.
 
Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the southeast U.S., and are mainly wild-harvested. When ripe, they go through a drying and extraction process in order to produced oil. Due to growing demand on the market and influences such as hurricanes, the price of Saw Palmetto extract rose sharply over the past few years. This, according to BGG World, has led to the proliferation of adulterated product with some global regions experiencing rates of 50% or more adulterated product being sold to unsuspecting customers.
 
Current analytical methods to prevent adulteration focus on fatty acids, sterols, B-sitosterol, and some physical characteristics like viscosity and color. However, the fatty acid composition can be mimicked by adding animal and plant derived fatty acids, and B-sitosterol levels can be adjusted using other plants. The typical color of Serenoa repens oil can be replicated using coloring agents.
 
BGG’s new method uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ensure Saw Palmetto oil contains minor components unique to the plant.
 
The Japanese Patent Office granted a patent for the analytical method, which is simpler and more precise than other current methods.
 
“BGG’s mission is to contribute to the global nutraceutical market,” said Takahiro Sekikawa, PhD, lead inventor of the patent. “We’re very honored that our analytical method serves as a safeguard to provide authentic Saw Palmetto extract and reduce this proliferation of adulterated supplements in the market. BGG is always happy to share analytical results on our quality-leading ProstPalm Saw Palmetto Extract to guarantee the ingredient’s authenticity.”