𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐍𝐀-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞

Contributed by Bimal K Chetri (PhD)
Lecturer
Sherubtse College

Globally, consumers and regulators are placing increasing emphasis on authenticity, safety, and traceability in herbal products. Around 80 percent of the world’s population relies on herbal medicines, contributing to a market valued at USD 148.5 billion in 2022. This market is expected to grow substantially, with forecasts predicting it will exceed USD 386 billion by 2032. The herbal supplement sector alone is projected to rise from USD 101 billion in 2025 to over USD 201 billion by 2035.

Bhutan is part of this global movement. The country recently introduced nine new bioprospecting products under the Access and Benefit Sharing Framework, reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable use of biodiversity. Local entrepreneurship is growing, as seen in initiatives like Bhutan Herbal Tea, which is expanding into international markets supported by laboratory testing and certification.

Traditional medicine use in Bhutan is also on the rise. Over 219,000 patients were recorded in the last year, a 12 percent increase since 2020. Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals has surpassed Nu 100 million in sales, driven by both domestic and export demand. High-value products such as Cordyceps support rural economies, while activities like mushroom foraging and the production of herbal tinctures and wellness products continue to attract interest and investment.

However, authenticity remains a concern. DNA-based investigations have shown that 27 percent of commercial herbal products worldwide are adulterated, containing undeclared or contaminant species. A study in South India found 12 percent of market samples were adulterated, with substitution rates reaching 100 percent for some species. These findings highlight the importance of reliable methods to verify herbal product authenticity.

DNA barcoding and next-generation sequencing have emerged as effective tools to address this issue. Bhutan has taken early steps by establishing genetic references for some of its medicinal plants. Initial genome sequences are now available in the NCBI GenBank database. Advanced technologies allow rapid assembly of complete chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, providing what can be described as “super DNA barcodes.” This approach expands genetic reference libraries and enables accurate identification from raw materials through to finished products.

Examples include genome data for plants such as Bergenia ciliata, Drymaria villosa, Elsholtzia blanda, Hydrocotyle himalaica, and Thladiantha cordifolia. While this effort is still in its early stages, the availability of genetic data supports the verification of Bhutanese herbal materials as the database grows. These publicly accessible genetic blueprints can serve as definitive references for authenticating Bhutanese herbal products throughout the supply chain.

To build on this progress, Bhutan would benefit from developing a national genome database specific to its biodiversity. Such a database would promote open data access, establish ethical guidelines, and encourage collaboration between citizens, traditional practitioners, and researchers. This initiative would strengthen sustainable resource management and help bridge traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.

Investing in DNA-based authentication will not only secure the integrity of Bhutan’s herbal products but also enhance their global competitiveness. It will provide assurance to consumers, regulators, and export markets that Bhutanese herbal products are genuine and safe. Furthermore, a national genome database can serve as a foundation for research, innovation, and sustainable development in the herbal sector.

Bhutan’s commitment to combining tradition with science in this way will help safeguard its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. It will also ensure that the benefits of this growing industry support the country’s economy and rural livelihoods for generations to come.