The Problem of the Presence of DNA in Cosmetic and Medicinal Products Obtained from Animals on the CITES List
Molecular study published in Genes (2025)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The illegal trade in wildlife remains a critical threat to biodiversity, prompting the development of international regulatory frameworks such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). One of the key challenges in enforcement is the detection of CITES-listed species in highly processed consumer goods. METHODS: This study investigates the use of molecular techniques to detect animal DNA in two selected commercially available medicinal products-a balm and a gel-marketed with ingredients suggestive of protected species such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis). RESULTS: Although DNA from these target species was not detected, the analysis revealed the presence of genetic material from the American mink (Neovison vison) and domestic pig (Sus scrofa), indicating the undeclared use of animal-derived substances. While limited in scope, these findings suggest potential ethical and transparency concerns, particularly for consumers adhering to vegetarian, vegan, or religious dietary practices. CONCLUSIONS: The study illustrates the feasibility of applying DNA-based screening methods in complex, degraded matrices and their potential as supportive tools in consumer product assessment. However, broader studies are necessary before drawing general regulatory or conservation conclusions.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Molecular DNA screening of commercial cosmetic/medicinal products marketed as containing brown bear or medicinal leech did not detect those species but revealed undeclared American mink and pig DNA.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio investigó el uso de técnicas moleculares basadas en ADN para detectar ingredientes de origen animal en dos productos medicinales comercializados (un bálsamo y un gel), etiquetados con ingredientes sugestivos de especies incluidas en CITES, entre ellas la sanguijuela medicinal (Hirudo medicinalis) y el oso pardo. Aunque no se detectó ADN de estas especies diana en los productos, el análisis reveló material genético no declarado procedente de visón americano y cerdo doméstico, lo que plantea preocupaciones sobre transparencia. Para el ámbito de ASH, el estudio solo es relevante de forma tangencial: Hirudo medicinalis se mencionó como especie diana para la detección, pero en realidad no se encontró ADN de sanguijuela. El foco del estudio se centra en la metodología de cribado de ADN y en la transparencia de los productos de consumo, más que en la biología de la sanguijuela, la hirudoterapia o el secretoma de la sanguijuela, y su alcance se limita a dos productos.
Citación
The Problem of the Presence of DNA in Cosmetic and Medicinal Products Obtained from Animals on the CITES List.
Figura A et al. · Genes, 2025
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026