Profiling Analysis in LC-MS to Address Botanical Food Supplements’ Authenticity

In recent years, the interest in food supplements has increased due to their declared beneficial effects on both physical and mental health. Botanicals are often used as the main ingredient of these food products due to their content of specific chemical compounds, usually linked to bioactivity. However, the existing European legislation concerning them still lacks harmonization across the member states, especially in terms of raw material, dosage, and health claims. Additionally, certain botanicals can be categorized as both food supplements and traditional herbal medicines (THMs). The combination of these factors increases the vulnerability of these products to potential fraudulent practices, making it challenging to control their quality, safety, and authenticity. In this context, developing proper analytical methodologies can facilitate their detection.