The problem of the presence of DNA in cosmetic and medicinal products obtained from animals on the CITES list
Authentication 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
Investigates molecular detection of CITES-listed animal DNA (brown bear, medicinal leech) in cosmetics and medicinal products. Reveals undeclared mink and pig DNA — calls for stricter labeling.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio empleó técnicas moleculares de ADN para cribar dos productos medicinales comercializados (un bálsamo y un gel) etiquetados con ingredientes sugestivos de especies incluidas en CITES, específicamente el oso pardo (Ursus arctos) y la sanguijuela medicinal (Hirudo medicinalis). Aunque no se detectó ADN de estas especies diana, se identificó material genético de visón americano y cerdo doméstico, lo que suscita preocupaciones de transparencia y ética sobre sustancias de origen animal no declaradas en productos de consumo. La mención de H. medicinalis como especie relevante para CITES conecta tangencialmente con la conservación de las sanguijuelas y cuestiones regulatorias que pueden interesar a los miembros de ASH. Sin embargo, el estudio no encontró ADN de sanguijuela en los productos analizados, no involucra investigación sobre hirudoterapia ni sobre el secretoma de la sanguijuela, y los autores señalan explícitamente que los hallazgos son de alcance limitado, lo que impide extraer conclusiones regulatorias amplias.
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