Key Update 

Researchers at the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) and CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) in Lucknow have pioneered a state-of-the-art AI-driven method to combat food fraud and adulteration in India’s natural medicine industry. Led by senior scientist C.H. Ratnasekhar, the team developed a machine learning-guided metabolomic fingerprinting technique to verify the authenticity of botanicals, including turmeric, ashwagandha, and basil. Published in the journal Food Chemistry, the method combines artificial intelligence with high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyse the unique chemical profiles of these plants, ensuring precise authentication.

Over 98% Accuracy in Identifying Origin, Variety, and Adulteration

This advanced method achieves over 98% accuracy in determining the geographical origin, plant variety, and specific parts of botanicals. It also reliably detects adulterated samples, providing a robust safeguard against fraudulent products. CIMAP director Prabodh Kumar Trivedi emphasised that by comparing authentic samples with those found in the market, the models developed by the team can accurately determine the botanical’s origin, variety, and plant parts used. He also noted that the method reliably detects adulteration.

Handheld Scanner Enables Rapid, On-Site Quality Assurance

Taking the innovation further, the team has developed a portable handheld device that allows herb samples to be scanned directly in markets or supply chains. This device uses machine learning to instantly detect adulteration or the presence of foreign particles in the samples. Lead researcher Ratnasekhar stated that the team’s non-invasive and rapid scanning method uses AI and mass spectrometry to create chemical fingerprints of botanicals like turmeric and ashwagandha, significantly improving on-site quality testing.

Protecting Consumer Trust and Farmers’ Livelihoods

This breakthrough provides a fast, scientific, and reliable tool for regulators, industry professionals, and exporters to verify product authenticity. Researchers highlighted that, like Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice, premium botanicals such as turmeric and ashwagandha also deserve origin-based protection. By improving food safety and strengthening consumer trust, the innovation helps secure the livelihoods of Indian farmers.

Source: The Times of India