Herbal products (HMPs) from New York City were DNA barcoded for rbcl, matK and ITS2.
We found that ITS2 was easier to amplify and can discriminate species on its own.
We were more successful in barcoding leaf and root HMPs than barks.
4 of 47 herbal products barcoded did not contain the species declared on the label.
ITS2 DNA barcoding is a practical tool to authenticate herbal products.