The Tao Lab has shown that Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART-ToF MS) can quickly and accurately identify ginseng species, including the endangered American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Researchers tested four ginseng types—wild and cultivated American ginseng, Korean ginseng, and Chinese ginseng—by generating chemical fingerprints and applying statistical analysis. This two-step approach successfully identified unknown samples, demonstrating DART-ToF MS as a promising tool to combat poaching and illegal trade of protected plants.