Precise Identification Assays Bolster Natural Products Supply Chain with DNA Tests for Six Top Mushroom Species Including Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Chaga
LeafWorks, a trailblazing botanical genomics and testing company for natural products, today announced the release of its latest innovation: a suite of species-specific DNA tests for six of the most commercially important functional mushrooms—Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Reishi.
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LeafWorks founders, Dr. Eleanor Kuntz, PhD (left) and Dr. Kerin Law, PhD (right), conducting research on a suite of species-specific DNA tests for six of the most commercially important functional mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are one of the fastest-growing categories in the natural products industry, with Lion’s Mane alone representing more than 25% of North American functional mushroom supplement sales in 2023. As consumer demand rises, so does the pressure on manufacturers to verify ingredient integrity, especially in global supply chains where mislabeling and adulteration are common.
To meet this growing need, LeafWorks® Mushroom Species DNA ID Tests provide fast, accurate mushroom identification in raw ingredients, blends and finished goods. These species-specific qPCR assays give natural products companies a practical and powerful new tool to support label claims, comply with 21 CFR Part 111, and ensure quality throughout the supply chain.
LeafWorks’ DNA tests are the first commercially available species-specific qPCR assays developed and validated for functional mushrooms at this level.
“We designed LeafWorks’ mushroom DNA testing protocols to solve real problems in real-world supply chains,” said Dr. Eleanor Kuntz, LeafWorks CEO. “The degree of validation we’ve achieved is exceptional, and our offerings create a comprehensive approach that complements existing quality testing—particularly for blends, which have traditionally been difficult to test accurately.”
LeafWorks' qPCR assays were developed using authenticated Botanical Reference Materials, validated across over 1,400 genomes, 2,900 qPCR reactions, and 280 commercial industry samples. Unlike antiquated approaches that rely on public databases or unreliable universal markers, LeafWorks’ tests use species-specific DNA markers that have been extensively vetted to avoid false positives, even in complex blends.
The launch also expands LeafWorks’ partnership with global commercial laboratory Eurofins Botanical Testing to serve a broader segment of the functional mushroom market.
Key features include:
- Species-specific qPCR testing for Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Shiitake and Cordyceps
- Affordable, rapid tests built to AOAC International standards
- Exceptional accuracy in blends and finished goods
- Developed using inclusive and exclusive panels sourced globally to account for sister species and common adulterants
- Designed to support compliance with 21 CFR Part 111 for ingredient identity
- Available through LeafWorks directly or in partnership with Eurofins
“Our identification tests use an industry-leading design,” said Dr. Nick Batora, LeafWorks’ Managing Director and Head of R&D. “We built our validation approach on extensive sampling from a diversity of sources and important species to take into account such as common adulterants, sister species and look-alikes. This ensures accuracy and reliability across a wide variety of commercial samples.”
No other genetic assays currently exist in the functional mushroom category at this level of validation. Additional species are available for fungal identification via sequencing, and LeafWorks can work with clients to expand matrix compatibility upon request.
The LeafWorks® Mushroom Species DNA ID Tests are available now. For more information or to inquire about testing, visit leafworks.com or contact info@leafworks.com.
About LeafWorks
LeafWorks Inc. is a botanical genomics company conducting cutting-edge research and developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products. Co-founded by CEO Eleanor Kuntz, Ph.D., and CSO Kerin Law, Ph.D., LeafWorks operates with an unparalleled combination of scientific rigor and uncompromising ethics while specializing in DNA identification and protecting, educating and empowering business owners. The company also provides the necessary testing and services that help cultivators preserve their genetic IP, improve efficiency and ultimately evolve their operations. Learn more about LeafWorks Inc. at leafworks.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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“We designed LeafWorks’ mushroom DNA testing protocols to solve real problems in real-world supply chains,” Dr. Eleanor Kuntz, LeafWorks CEO.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Dr. Kerin Law
info@leafworks.com
