NOW Advances Botanical Identity Testing with Next-Generation DNA Sequencing Platform from LeafWorks
Bloomingdale, Ill.— [June 23, 2026] — NOW, a leading natural products manufacturer known for its commitment to quality and industry leadership, has advanced its botanical identity testing program through a new first-of-its-kind partnership with LeafWorks, a botanical genomics company conducting cutting-edge research and developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products.
By integrating next-generation DNA sequencing into its identity testing workflow, NOW is expanding its ability to verify botanical ingredients across complex formulations while maintaining the rigorous standards that define its quality program.
The partnership brings LeafWorks’ purpose-built DNA Analysis Platform into NOW’s workflow, enabling high-throughput genomic interpretation through a curated reference database and validated analytical systems designed specifically for complex botanical products.
“We are always looking for ways to strengthen our quality systems and ensure the integrity of our products,” said Maria Mendres, Microbiology Manager at NOW. “Incorporating next-generation DNA sequencing for genomic-level ID adds another valuable tool to our testing program, enhancing our ability to verify botanical identity. The number of species we can test for simultaneously is unique to DNA and LeafWorks’ platform, making it a good fit for NOW with over 2,000 ingredients.”
NOW among first to integrate cutting-edge Next Generation DNA Sequencing into botanical identity testing
As part of this collaboration, NOW has implemented a next-generation sequencing lab at its facility in Sparks, Nevada, to support its company-wide testing efforts. The company applies its sequencing output to LeafWorks’ DNA analysis platform for accurate species validation at scale.
This model allows partners to access high-powered genomic analysis without building the underlying bioinformatics infrastructure themselves. Leveraging LeafWorks’ curated reference database and analytical systems, NOW shares digital sequence data generated in-house for analysis, receiving detailed Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that support consistent, high-confidence identity verification across a wide range of product types.
“What’s exciting about this model is that it lowers the barrier to adopting advanced DNA testing,” said Kerin Law, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of LeafWorks. “Companies can generate sequencing data in-house and plug directly into our analysis platform without needing to build complex bioinformatics systems themselves. This unique combination of accessibility and rigor is an entirely new model of testing to move the industry forward. We are thrilled to be partnering with NOW, true industry leaders in natural products, in this brand-new testing model.”
The next generation of DNA testing built for real-world botanical products
DNA testing has been used in the natural products industry for more than a decade, but historical approaches—particularly those based on universal DNA barcoding and earlier methods—were never built for commercial application, having relied on uncurated databases, markers and techniques that have often struggled to deliver consistent, species-level identification in processed products.
As the industry’s leading provider of DNA testing for species validation, LeafWorks’ third-generation platform was built specifically to address these limitations, using species-targeted genomic methods, authenticated reference materials and purpose-built analytical systems designed for commercial botanicals.
This approach allows for greater specificity and reliability in real-world product testing, particularly across multi-ingredient products. For NOW, it adds a powerful new capability alongside existing analytical methods, strengthening its ability to assess complex botanical blends and support product quality across its portfolio.
“For years, the industry has had access to DNA tools that weren’t designed for the realities of commercial products,” said Law. “We built our platform specifically for those challenges to deliver consistent, high-confidence results across complex formulations.”
A new model for scalable botanical identity testing
Because sequence data is inherently digital, NOW’s workflow can connect directly to LeafWorks’ analysis platform, enabling consistent, scalable interpretation across high sample volumes.
This collaboration reflects a broader shift in how natural-products companies are approaching identity testing, as advances in DNA science enable precise analysis of multitudes of species simultaneously. By combining next-generation sequencing with a commercial-grade analytical pipeline, NOW and LeafWorks demonstrate a more scalable, data-driven approach to botanical identity verification.
About NOW:
Founded by Elwood Richard in 1968 on the belief that natural is better, NOW has grown from a small family operation into one of the most highly respected manufacturers in the natural products industry. Still a family- and employee-owned company today, NOW offers more than 1,500 dietary supplements, functional foods, sports nutrition, and health and beauty products. NOW is committed to offering safe, affordable, high-quality products and is a highly regarded advocate in the natural products industry. After 58 years in the natural products industry, NOW remains committed to its original mission – to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives. Learn more at NOWFoods.com.
About LeafWorks:
LeafWorks Inc. is a botanical genomics company conducting cutting-edge research and developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products from seed to shelf. Co-founded by CEO Eleanor Kuntz, Ph.D., and CSO Kerin Law, Ph.D., the company combines scientific rigor with uncompromising ethics, specializing in DNA identification—from species ID down to trait detection—to protect and empower business operators. The company provides the necessary testing and services that help cultivators preserve their genetic IP, manufacturers improve efficiency, and the entire supply chain to revolutionize their operations. Learn more about LeafWorks Inc. at leafworks.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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