The researchers gathered 54 Ayurvedic supplements, containing herbs like ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, tulsi, vacha, amla, guduchi, and tribulus. These herbs were chosen based on their historical use for treating respiratory illnesses. The researchers procured these supplements from both online sources and local retailers in Orange and Los Angeles counties, CA.
To ensure the authenticity of these supplements, the researchers employed DNA barcoding techniques. However, the study’s results raised several concerns. In approximately 60% of the products, the researchers failed to detect the expected ingredient.