NOW adopts LeafWorks’ DNA sequencing platform for botanical identity testing

NOW Health Group has advanced its botanical identity testing program by partnering with LeafWorks, a genomics company developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products. The supplement brand will use these services to verify botanical ingredients across complex formulations while maintaining its quality standards. 

The deal will bring LeafWorks’ DNA Analysis Platform into NOW’s workflow, which the US company says will allow high-throughput genomic interpretation — fast analyses of large, curated datasets with botanicals’ DNA or RNA. The company is adding this to its validated analytical systems designed for complex botanical products. 

NOW notes that common DNA testing currently used in the natural products industry was not built for commercial application, as these uncurated databases, markers, and techniques often struggle to deliver consistent, species-level identification in processed products. 

Maria Mendres, microbiology manager at NOW, comments: “We are always looking for ways to strengthen our quality systems and ensure the integrity of our products.”

“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.”

Next-gen sequencing lab

Through the partnership, NOW has implemented a next-generation sequencing laboratory at its facility in Sparks, Nevada, US, to support the company’s testing efforts. The company says it applies its sequencing output to LeafWorks’ DNA analysis platform for accurate species validation at scale. 

Mendres says DNA sequencing strengthens botanical identity verification across over NOW’s 2,000 ingredients.This model grants LeafWorks’ partners access to its genomic analysis without needing to build the underlying bioinformatics infrastructure. 

NOW explains that it shares digital sequence data generated in-house for analysis against LeafWorks’ reference database. The brand then receives detailed Certificates of Analysis that support consistent, high-confidence identity verification across a wide range of product types. 

Since sequence data is digital, the company’s workflow connects directly to LeafWorks’ analysis platform, which it says enables consistent and scalable interpretation across high sample volumes. 

“What’s exciting about this model is that it lowers the barrier to adopting advanced DNA testing,” says 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.”

Botanical identity

Botanical ingredients are evolving beyond traditional remedies to science-supported solutions. Ingredient suppliers previously told Nutrition Insight that botanicals’ natural variability makes it challenging to achieve a consistent quality at scale. 

Moreover, adulteration is an ongoing challenge, which initiatives like the US Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program aim to address with reports highlighting adulteration practices in well-known species.

According to Law, LeafWorks’ model lowers the barrier to adopting advanced DNA testing for botanical products.LeafWorks notes that its platform was built to address limitations of common DNA testing in natural products, specifically those based on universal DNA barcoding. 

The approach uses species-targeted genomic methods, authenticated reference materials, and analytical systems designed for commercial botanicals. 

The platform enables greater specificity and reliability in real-world testing, specifically in multi-ingredient products, highlights NOW. The US company believes this approach adds a “powerful new capability” alongside its existing analytical methods, thus strengthening its ability to assess complex botanical blends and support product quality. 

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

The companies highlight that their collaboration reflects a broader shift in how suppliers of natural products approach identity testing. They note that advances in DNA science enable precise analysis of various species at the same time. 

Combining NOW’s commercial-grade analytical pipeline with LeafWorks’ sequencing platform results in a scalable, data-driven approach to botanical identity verification, highlight the partners.