Microscopy workshop

Technical Workshops

AHPA regularly presents in-person technical workshops to train the herbal products industry on the latest tools and methods that help ensure high-quality products and compliance with federal and state regulations.

Given the current travel restrictions, no workshops are currently scheduled.

Want to make a suggestion for a future technical workshop? Contact science@ahpa.org.


Past Workshops

Microscopy workshop

Convened August 2015

Published: Monday, July 13, 2015

Attendance is limited to 30 people

Location: Weber State University (Ogden, UT)

Science Lab Building
Botany Lab, Room 421
3848 Harrision Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84408
download campus map

Date: Aug. 11-12, 2015
Cost:
$1,350 (AHPA Members)
$1,650 (Non-Members)

Microscopy is an important tool for the identification and authentication of botanical materials, both in the whole form and as powders. It is one of the most rapid, accurate, cost-effective, and environmentally sound of all the analytical technologies.

This workshop will familiarize participants with various plant parts at the microscopic level to help them understand the characteristic cellular features of each plant part examined using botanical microscopy techniques. The basic structure of various tissue types will be discussed and identified using examples of some of the popular botanicals. The workshop's goal is to leave participants with the experience necessary to confidently conduct microscopic analysis on botanical materials.

Topics:

  • Techniques in microscopy;
  • Preparation of botanicals for microscopic examination and general use of reagents;
  • Microscopic features of various plant parts (leaves, stems, barks, woods, flowers, fruits, seeds, subterranean organs);
  • Developing and documenting microscopic assessment in a scientifically valid manner;
  • Common and uncommon botanical adulterants: how to detect and how to avoid them.

Discussions will be accompanied by:

  • Hands-on training preparing specimens and using microscopes;
  • Hands-on experience examining various plant materials provided as part of the instruction.

Workshop Materials

  • The book American Herbal Pharmacopoeia: Botanical Pharmacognosy - Microscopic Characterization of Botanical Medicines will be provided to participants as the reference text.
  • Participants will also receive a Certificate of Completion affirming attendance and training for training documentation. GMPs require that QC/QA personnel be adequately trained in dietary ingredient testing.

Who should attend:

QC/QA personnel, laboratory personnel, regulatory/compliance personnel, natural products researchers, dietary supplement companies looking for economical means to comply with the cGMP requirements regarding establishing identity, and anyone interested in using microscopic techniques to identify botanicals.

Instructors

Elan Sudberg, CEO at Alkemist Labs

 

Maged Sharaf, Chief Science Officer, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

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