BGG World (Irvine, CA) recently received a Japanese patent for developing an innovative method for identification of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). This new method will help slow down the rampant adulteration currently found in the marketplace, according to the company.

Serenoa repens (frequently referred to simply as saw palmetto) is a small palm native to a limited area of southeast U.S. Berries are wild-harvested (mainly in Florida, but also in South Carolina, Louisiana and Georgia) when ripe and then dried before going through an extraction process for the production of saw palmetto oil. According to BGG, due to growing demand in the market as well as climatic influences such as hurricanes, the price of saw palmetto extract rose sharply over the past few years. This has led to a proliferation of adulterated product in the market, with some global regions experiencing upwards of 50 percent adulterated product sold to unsuspecting consumers.

Current analytical methods focus on total fatty acids, sterols, β-sitosterol and some physical characteristics such as viscosity and color, making it very difficult to identify real saw palmetto oils from oils coming from totally different sources, according to the company. In fact, the fatty acid composition of Serenoa oils can be mimicked by adding animal and plant-derived fatty acids, while β-sitosterol levels can be adjusted using other plants, the company stated. The typical color of Serenoa oil can be adulterated using coloring agents.

BGG’s new method uses HPLC to ensure saw palmetto oil contains minor components unique to Serenoa. The Japanese Patent Office granted a patent for this innovative analytical method (Japanese Patent #7217134 “Determination of Saw Palmetto Oil”).  It is much simpler, yet significantly more precise, than previously reported methods, according to the company.

“BGG’s mission is to contribute to the global nutraceutical market,” said Takahiro Sekikawa, PhD, lead inventor on 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.”

For more information, visit www.bggworld.com.