New Roots Herbal | Laboratory | Natural Health Products

Laboratory

Explore the Laboratory

ISO 17025 Analytical Testing

Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector/Mass Spectrometrer

Every ingredient is tested for identity, purity and potency. This is done with precoder samples and at multiple locations throughout reception of raw material shipment through to finished product purity and potency verification.

Lab specialists

Multidisciplinary Scientific Expertise

We believe in the benefits of science—and so does our team of 22 dedicated scientists. Our roster includes 3 PhDs, 7 MScs, and 12 BScs with specialties including biochemistry, food science and agricultural chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and more.
On top of that, we employ 4 naturopathic physicians who all graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and have over 55 years of combined experience. Together, they use their knowledge and expertise to create innovative health products and ensure our quality is always second to none.

Our Equipment

Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Our equipment can validate non-GMO Status down to one trillionth of a gram enlisting real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology. This is the same technology used in advanced biomedical research and criminal forensics.

At the Crossroads of Science and Nature

All ingredients that enter our facility are tested three times over for identity, contaminants such as mycotoxins (aflatoxins), PCBs, over 80 different pesticides, heavy metals, microbiology (bacteria), mould, and fungus. Most importantly, we validate the potency. All these tests are conducted at our state-of-the-art, 8000 sq. ft. ISO 17025 accredited laboratory with 22 scientists, including 6 McGill University graduates. The laboratory, QC and QA is staffed by 3 PhDs, 7 MScs, and 12 BScs, who devote over 880 hours of testing and research weekly.


Taking Quality to the Next Level

Unrivaled in quality and performance, we have built our reputation on the excellence of our products.

We start with the best raw materials, conduct meticulous testing, and deliver products that set the standard for quality in the industry.

All of Our Products Are Subjected to the Following Quality Tests:

Identity

To identify a plant ingredient is to ensure that the ingredient matches the species it is claimed to be. Our testing always ensures that the ingredient matches the label.

Potency

To confirm the potency of an ingredient is to ensure the ingredient is at the strength it is claimed to be, maintaining label claims throughout shelf life.

Oxidation

Our oxidation testing ensures products maintain the highest levels of quality and freshness, with the lowest level of peroxide through to expiration.

Disintegration

Our disintegration testing mimics the human digestive system to ensure all products dissolve at the right place and time.

Purity

To establish the purity of an ingredient is to test for safety from contaminants.

  • Heavy Metals: Testing guarantees the safety of our products from natural earth contamination.
  • Over 80 different pesticides, PCBs, and solvent residues are tested to ensure product safety.
  • Comprehensive testing for aflatoxins, mycotoxins, dioxins, and microbial contamination.

Quality Control Process

  1. 1

    Raw Materials

    Sample Retention / Visual Identification

  2. 2

    Raw-Material Quarantine

  3. 3

    Quality Control Analysis

    per Specifications

    Pass
  4. 4

    Formula Preparation

  5. 5

    In‑Process Material

    Sample Retention

  6. 6

    In‑Process Material Quarantine

  7. 7

    Quality-Control Analysis

    per Specifications

    Pass
  8. 8

    Bottling / Labeling

  9. 9

    Final Product Quarantine

  10. 10

    Quality-Control Analysis

    per Specifications

    Pass
  11. 11

    Finished Product

    Approved and Cleared for Sale

This level of meticulous testing is only possible with the strongest scientific team equipped with the most technologically advanced equipment.


Click on individual pictures to enlarge

Amino-Acid Testing

Amino-acid testing delves into the essential building blocks of life to ensure the optimal balance and quality that’s crucial for natural health products and supplements.

Using advanced analytical techniques, we assess and validate the amino-acid profiles with precision. Manufacturers and consumers can rely on our expertise to guarantee the efficacy and bioavailability of products, setting a new standard for quality assurance in the natural health product industry.


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UPLC

Disintegration Testing

Our cutting-edge disintegration tests measure timely release of active ingredients, validating product efficacy and meeting regulatory standards. Key tests cover various formulations, including enteric coating, plain coating, hard gelatin, soft gelatin, rupture test for softgel, uncoated capsules, and dissolution of vitamin C tablets.

N.H.P. Laboratory’s commitment to quality, advanced technology, and customized solutions sets us apart from our competitors. We offer tailored testing solutions, guaranteeing accurate and reliable results.


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Disintegration Tester

Dissolution

Ensure the efficacy and compliance of your pharmaceutical formulations with N.H.P. Laboratories’ comprehensive dissolution-testing services. Benefit from our ISO 17025 accreditation, cutting-edge technology, and personalized solutions tailored to your unique requirements.


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Dissolution

Enzyme Testing

Our enzyme tests focus on accurate measurement of enzyme activities, including alpha-galactosidase and bromelain, ensuring optimal product functionality and compliance with industry standards.

Choose us for our commitment to quality, advanced testing methodologies, experienced team, and customized testing solutions. If you are ready to ensure the excellence of your natural health products, inquire about our enzyme testing services.


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Spectrophotometer

Fatty Acids Analysis

Our lab tests fatty acids for natural health products and supplements. Using advanced GC‑FID and GC‑MS technology, we ensure accurate insights into the composition of essential fatty acids, including black cumin oil, sterols and sterolins, and more.

Our commitment to excellence is evident through a team of experienced lipid analysts delivering reliable results that contribute to your product’s success. These key tests cover a diverse range of oils, guaranteeing accurate profiling, validation of product claims, and compliance with industry standards.

N.H.P. Laboratories offers tailored solutions to meet unique fatty acid–testing requirements. If you are ready to gain comprehensive insights into the fatty acid composition of your products, inquire about these services.


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GC‑FID‑MS

GMO Testing

Let us be your trusted partner for the GMO testing of your natural health products and supplements. Our commitment to excellence ensures transparency and compliance in products.

Key benefits include product transparency, regulatory compliance, and building consumer trust through accurate information about genetic composition. The key tests involve DNA-based analysis, quantitative testing, and event-specific testing.

For those aiming to ensure the genetic composition of their natural health products, N.H.P. Laboratories invites inquiries about our GMO testing services.


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Rotor-Gene Q

Impurities and Contaminants Testing

Our impurities and contaminants tests deliver unmatched precision. With expert identification and quantification, we ensure compliance with regulatory standards and elevate product quality, enhancing consumer safety. Trust us to safeguard your natural products, ensuring purity and peace of mind for you and your customers.

Key tests include aflatoxins, chloramphenicol, hormone residues, impurities in grapefruit seed extract, organochloropesticides, organophosphopesticides, PCB, sex hormones, and solvent residues.


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Testing Equipment

Microbiology Testing

Our microbiology tests are where product safety reigns supreme. By identifying and mitigating microbial contamination risks, we ensure the highest standards of consumer safety. Our meticulous quality-assurance procedures guarantee industry-standard microbiological purity, enhancing the overall quality of your products. Additionally, we facilitate regulatory compliance, ensuring that your natural health products meet essential testing requirements, readying them for the market with confidence.

Key microbiology tests include total plate count, pathogen detection, and teast and mold testing. For accurate and comprehensive microbiology testing, N.H.P. Laboratories is your trusted partner ready to elevate the safety standards of your natural health products.


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VITEK 2 Compact

Minerals Testing

Leverage our advanced technology, particularly ICP‑MS, to deliver precise results time and time again. Our seasoned analysts craft tailored solutions to meet your unique mineral testing needs.

Essential minerals are vital to natural health products, and our specialized testing ensures accurate quantification, guaranteeing compliance with regulatory standards for product quality and consumer safety.

Our comprehensive tests cover a range of essential minerals, including calcium, heavy metals, boron, copper, iron, iodine, strontium, sodium, barium, zinc, molybdenum, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and chromium. Rely on N.H.P. Laboratories to uphold the highest standards of mineral composition in your products.


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ICP‑OES

Oxidation Testing

Our oxidation tests offer indispensable insights into the quality and stability of natural health products. With specialized testing, we provide accurate measurements of oxidation levels, enabling the identification of potential quality issues and stability concerns. Our comprehensive analysis ensures compliance with industry standards and safety requirements, reinforcing confidence in product quality. Trust N.H.P. Laboratories for precise analysis and regulatory compliance, ensuring the optimal quality and stability of your products.


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Spectrophotometer

Plant-Extract and -Isolate Testing

Gain a competitive advantage through our plant-extract and -isolate tests. As the cornerstone of numerous natural health products, plant extracts and isolates undergo meticulous scrutiny through our specialized testing. Using advanced methodologies such as LC‑MS, HPLC, and GC‑MS, they ensure a thorough analysis of compounds, providing precise insights into composition, quality, and compliance with industry standards.

We guarantee accurate identification and quantification of key compounds, validating product claims and specifications with precision. With our comprehensive analysis, we ensure compliance with industry standards and safety requirements, empowering you to deliver products of unrivalled quality and efficacy. Trust N.H.P. Laboratories to unlock the full potential of your plant-based extracts and isolates.


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HPTLC

Probiotic Testing

Our rigorous probiotic testing confirms the viability and potency of live probiotic strains, assuring their effectiveness in your products. Ensure label accuracy by verifying that the labeled probiotic content matches the actual content in your supplements.

Our meticulous quality-control procedures detect and mitigate potential contamination, guaranteeing the safety of your products. As an ISO 17025–accredited laboratory, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and efficacy in probiotic supplements through comprehensive testing. Trust us to ensure the integrity of your probiotic products.


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Probiotics Testing

Sugar Testing

Our sugar tests focus on the crucial role that sugars play in taste and composition. Using advanced LC‑MS/MS and spectrophotometry technologies, we provide accurate quantification, validate product claims, and ensure compliance with industry standards. The key tests include d‑glucose, d‑lactose, d‑maltose, d‑mannose, d‑ribose, polysaccharides, and beta‑glucans.


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UPLC

Vitamin Testing

We specialize in comprehensive vitamin testing for natural health products and supplements. Employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC‑DAD technology, we ensure accurate and reliable results for essential vitamins A, B complex, C, D3, E, and K.

Key tests cover a range of vitamins. The laboratory is committed to tailored and reliable solutions, supported by an experienced team of analysts. With a focus on accurate quantification, validation of product claims, and compliance with industry standards, let N.H.P. Laboratories be your trusted partner in quality assurance.


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UHPLC

Overview of the world class equipment

in our Industry-Leading ISO 17025–accredited Laboratory

The laboratory includes 4 HPLCs, 4 UHPLCs, 2 GC-FIDs, 2 GC-MSs, 1 headspace, 2 spectrophotometers, 1 ICP-OES, 1 UPLC-MS/MS, 1 HPTLC, 1 NIR, and 1 microscope as well as a DNA extractor/purifier, DNA quantifier and a real time PCR unit.

Product Development

Our team is in constant motion, developing new products and improving existing industryleading formulas. We further invest in research and technology for advanced delivery systems such as our GPS™ enteric-coating system to protect probiotics from stomach acid. While delayed release and acid-resistant capsules leak and cause probiotics to be destroyed, our GPS™ enteric-coating system guarantees intestinal delivery of live probiotic cells. And that’s just one of the incredible innovations we are working on!


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Technological Investments

Thanks to ongoing investments, the advanced technology in our ISO 17025–accredited, non‑GMO laboratory allows us to guarantee the identity, purity, and quality of our products. We are also able to detect and quantify genetically modified organisms using leading-edge, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. And no one else in the industry has our ability to test down to 1 trillionth of a gram (10−12 g). Our state-of-the-art production facilities allow us to increase production in-house while maintaining the high quality standards consumers have grown to trust. With all that, it’s not surprising that we’re able to attract the brightest minds in our industry, ensuring a better future for us all.

4 HPLCs

High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph

The HPLC is a master specialist in determining the identity and quantity of elements and molecules, such as the activity in an herb, the product of an enzymatic reaction, or any molecule which absorbs light or that can be made chromophore (able to absorb/transmit light). The HPLC is very specific in being able to absolutely determine what a substance is and exactly how much of it there is.

HPLC works by automatically injecting a small volume of liquid sample into a column packed with particles 120 the thickness of a white sheet of paper. The liquid sample is forced through the column by powerful micropumps. The detector sends a digital signal to the computer, where specialized software is used to identify and determine the quantity of the separated components.

We use it routinely to analyse the composition of compounds present in complex mixtures, such as water- and fat-soluble vitamins. We also use the HPLC to analyse a large variety of ingredient, for example astragalus, dandelion, and red clover.

This is a typical liquid chromatogram of water-soluble vitamins; these are called chromatographic peaks, and each one represents a separated compound.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatogram chromatographic peaks

4 UHPLCs

Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

We’ve added 4 UHPLCs to our laboratory. These extend our extensive testing capability.

Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph

PCR Cycler: DNA GMO Identification


Our laboratory has also added DNA extraction and analysis capability. With this capability we can identify if an ingredient contains any GMO DNA or proteins.


DNA NON-GMO Identification
DNA EXTRACTION/PURIFICATION
DNA NON-GMO Identification
DNA QUANTIFICATION
DNA NON-GMO Identification
REAL TIME PCR (qPCR)

UPLC/MS (LC/MS-Triple quad)

Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer – Dual detector

If the HPLC is the master specialist in identifying and quantifying, then the LC-MS/MS is the all-star. It is able to do everything the HPLC can do, only better and more precisely. It does this by using a very high-pressure micropump—15,000 psi—,combined with dual detector / photodiode array (PDA) and a more powerful mass spectrometer detector. It is used in cases where extreme sensitivity is needed.

Currently, this is the most advanced and widest-application tool for analysis. It allows for the most precise measurements—in parts per trillion rather than billion or million… The LC-MS/MS is able to effectively analyse herbs and medicinal components.

The LC/MS combines the advanced separation capabilities of an HPLC with the powerful analytical abilities of a mass spectrometer.

A sample is injected into the UPLC system and separated into its various components. These components enter the MS through an “electro spray interface,” where very rapid ionization takes place. At this point, the mass spectra of the components can be used to pinpoint-analyse the sample.

The main advantage of this system is that it generates fast, accurate, and extremely precise measurements by creating an electronic signature of a compound. We test many nutraceuticals with this instrument, such as glycosides in black cohosh, thujone in worm wood, and residual antibiotics in royal jelly.

Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer – Dual Detector

2 GC-FID/MSs

Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector/Mass Spectrometrer
Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector/Mass Spectrometrer

The GC is used to analyse volatile molecules with a high melting point, such as fatty acids in fish oil. In addition, samples submitted to the GC do not need solvents or a “liquid mobile phase”; instead, samples are carried by an inert gas through the system. Hence, if we are testing for solvents, the instrument of choice is the GC-FID/MS; no steps are needed to factor out any solvents used to prepare the sample.

GC-MS is precisely able to identify and determine the quantity of the molecules of interest, whereas GC-FID is only used to determine the quantity of molecules. Like LC-MS/MS, GC-MS is also able to create an electronic signature of a molecule. The complexity of running the test will dictate which instrument will be used.

In a GC system, the vaporized sample is moved with a carrier gas through a specially coated capillary column. The column separates the components before entry into the detector; in our case, either the FID or MS, depending on the application.

We also use the GC-FID system to determine the quantity of common fatty acids and essential oils present in oils such as tamanu, argan, and fish oil.

This is a typical fatty acids chromatogram of an argan oil sample.

chromatogram

PCBs and pesticides are tested for through the GC-MS. As the samples pass through the ionization chamber, they are bombarded with a very high voltage of electricity that results in complete fragmentation (separation) of the individual compounds. The fragments are reconstructed as they move through a vacuum tube as per their mass-to-charge ratio. The given signal is recorded by the computer for analysis.

The compounds are compared with a well-known library from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or a certified reference standard material.


The total ion chromatogram below represents a pesticides mixture.

chromatogram

Samples being tested for solvents pass through our headspace GC-FID. The FID incinerates the sample, giving an electrical signal for analysis. We use this setup to detect if there are solvents, such as 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,1,1-trichloroethane—which are known human carcinogens. These contaminants can be present in low-quality herbal extracts, and we have zero tolerance for them.

The chromatogram below represents residual solvent.

residual solvents chromatogram

ICP-OES

Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy

ICP specializes in analysing metals and minerals. With this device, we can effectively and precisely determine the identity and quantity of any metal present in a sample, be it iron, magnesium, lead, mercury, or boron. The process to test for these metals is much more straightforward than it would be on the HPLC or LC/MS.

With an ICP-OES, a sample flows into a plasma torch, where it is incinerated into atomized particles. Electrons of the atomized sample go through different levels of energy and by doing so, the atoms emit light; that light is analysed for meaningful information.

We use it to detect contamination by low-level trace metals—including mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These contaminants permeate the Earth’s crust and can be especially present in foodstuff grown in the ground or any items originating from the earth.

Essentially, the only remnants of an atomized sample will be any residual metals, which we are then able to detect. This makes methods developed to test metals easier to run for on the ICP.

Here is an ICP screenshot of the spectral view of cadmium.

Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy spectral view of cadmium

2 Spectrophotometers


The spectrophotometer is a cost-effective tool that can be used to determine the quantity of samples which absorb or transmit light. Based on absorption or transmittance of light, a correlation can be made to determine the quantity of a substance. The identity of the sample will be determined through other instruments.

A spectrophotometer is a device used to measure light intensity. NASA typically includes a spectrophotometer on their interplanetary landers such as the Spirit and Opportunity rovers. A small beam of light passes through the sample; some of the light is absorbed, but what passes through is detected and measured by the spectrophotometer. We are able to use this information to determine the quantity of a substance.

Our spectrophotometer is used to determine some enzymatic activities, such as papain and bromelain, or anthocyanidin content in bilberry.

Here is a screen shot of a spectrophotometer graph of a papain sample.

Spectrophotometer
spectrophotometer graph

HPTLC

High-Precision Thin-Layer Chromatograph

The HPTLC is an effective tool to verify the fingerprint of identity of ingredients against a reference plate. We are able to confirm the profile of a plant thanks to this tool, and to ensure the right ingredient is being used.

With an HPTLC, individual components of a mixture are separated on a thin glass-coated plate, which is then placed in a developing chamber. The TLC plate is placed under an ultraviolet lamp, and bands of the different components are visualized. Unlike a standard TLC, with an HPTLC many tasks are automated via robotics, eliminating uncertainty from samples being applied to plates by hand.

We use the HPTLC to detect if products have been contaminated by mycotoxins, a dangerous class of toxins that can develop on plant matter in humid conditions.

You can see an HPTLC plate below.



High-Precision Thin-Layer Chromatograph HPTLC plate

NIR

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

NIR can be used to test a wide variety of substances; herbs and isolates such as amino acids. NIR can test almost anything, so long as we have a sample known to be that substance. With this device, we can guarantee the freshness of the plants we use in your product.

NIR works by comparing the fingerprint of a substance with an average of fingerprints of samples known to be that substance. Those fingerprints form a 3D reference model of what is acceptable. This is important, as even grown under similar conditions, the same plant will not grow in an identical fashion.

NIR allows us to identify herbal products’ total quality. We ensure that only those samples that meet our strict criteria for freshness and quality are able to pass. We only include the highest-quality herbals in the reference models we create for the NIR.

The NIR gives a reliable identification of a sample by comparing its spectra to the spectra of a sample of known characteristics. NIR analyses the transmissive properties of specific wavelengths of light in the sample being measured.

Here is a representation of spectral information into a three-dimensional image.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy spectral information into a three-dimensional image

Microscope


The venerable microscope is still a staple in any laboratory. Of course, we use a modern light microscope; this style of microscope utilizes a focused beam of light that is converged by the condenser lens onto a specific point on the specimen. We use it to examine the broken cell status of Chlorella samples.

Here is an example of a broken cell wall in a Chlorella sample; broken cell walls make for easier digestion and absorbability.

Microscope Broken cell walls of chlorella

NexION® 2000 ICP-MS


The NexION 2000 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) is very versatile. It features an array of unique technologies that combine to deliver the highest performance no matter the analytical challenge. Its versatility makes it easy to handle any sample matrix and address any interferences; It accurately measures sub-ppt levels of critical trace elements such as Na, K, Ca, and Fe.

It is coupled with a prepFAST MC™ which is a fully automated, low pressure chromatography system that isolates elements of interest from the sample matrix and collects multiple discrete eluent fractions for precise isotopic analysis. This allows for example the separation of organic arsenic from inorganic arsenic.

NexION NexION

BIG NEWS!
New Microbiology Department

New Roots Herbal is committed to continuously invest into our industry-leading ISO 17025–accredited laboratory to ensure customers receive the highest-quality, purest, most potent, and safest products.

Therefore, New Roots Herbal is pleased to announce the opening of a new microbiology department in our in-house laboratory. This is yet another important milestone in our development that enables our lab professionals to analyze microbiological attributes of different raw materials and finished products according to USP standards, which is of crucial importance for quality assurance. Some of these attributes include total microbial aerobic, yeasts and molds count, including detection of pathogenic species such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aureus, and Staphylococcus aeruginosa.

In addition to the core chemistry and enzymology section, the GMO section, with the newly opened microbiology unit, allows our laboratory to provide complete analytical services for all New Roots Herbal products.

The new microbiological department is comprised of a wide array of equipment including two autoclaves for the eradication of microorganisms, 4 microbiological incubators (1 with humidity-control option), a cryogenic freezer (designed for long-term storage of biological materials, samples, and specimens at ultralow temperature), two laminar air flows to reduce and control viable and nonviable particulates, a biosafety cabinet, and an industry-specific colony-counting microscope.

The new microbiological department also features the VITEK 2 Compact (automated microorganisms identification system), which offers a state-of-the-art technology platform for phenotypic identification methods employed for detection of Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aureus, Staphylococcus aeruginosa, etc. in samples.

This is yet another milestone in providing reliable testing methods in our in-house laboratory to ensure results we can trust and fully stand behind.

New Roots Herbal is proud to say that we conduct our entire roster of tests in our ISO 17025–accredited lab in accordance with USP standards and with product quality, potency, and purity as well as consumer safety as our highest priorities.